AR-News: (U.S. - Neb.) env./farm groups oppose waste law changes

[Mary Finelli]

ENVIRONMENTAL, FARM GROUPS OPPOSE LIVESTOCK WASTE ACT CHANGES
Associated Press, Jan. 22, 2004

complete article:
http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/articles/2004/01/22/news/regional/bf70f0e53959941b86256e23001ac3ae.txt


Lincoln, Neb. -- Environmental and farm groups are raising a stink about 
proposed changes to how Nebraska regulates livestock waste. A coalition of 
groups, including the Sierra Club and Nebraska Farmers Union, is rallying to 
oppose a bill introduced in the Legislature to bring Nebraska's act in 
compliance with the federal permitting process. The coalition held a news 
conference Wednesday to oppose the measure, which is up for public hearing 
Thursday before the Natural Resources Committee.

"You could drive a Mack truck through this bill," said Laura Krebsbach, 
conservation organizer for the Nebraska chapter of the Sierra Club. The 
proposal falls short of protecting Nebraska's environment and it 
shortchanges the public's ability to be informed about new facilities 
locating in their area, according to the Sierra Club's 12-page analysis of 
the bill.

But state Sen. Ed Schrock of Elm Creek, chairman of the Natural Resources 
Committee, said the intent of the bill is not to substantively change 
current law, which was passed in 1998. Instead, its goal is to bring 
Nebraska's permitting process in line with the federal Environmental 
Protection Agency, he said.

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