The Iowa House approved limitations on Friday that would limit liquid manure applications on frozen ground, and aimed at protecting the state’s waterways. For Chicago Tribune story, click here. To view legislation, click here. The ban would prohibit liquid manure applications on frozen ground from Feb. 1 to April 1, and would also ban liquid manures application to snow covered grounds.
Many legislators’ argue that farmers want these restrictions.
Senate President Jack Kibbie, a Democrat from Emmetsburg who raises livestock, believes farmers would rather have these restrictions written into law rather than have Department of Natural Resources staff write rules.
"The bill's very restriction and it's certainly, environmentally, a much better law than current law," Kibbie says, "and it kind of gives the industry a roadmap on what they have to do."
Quote is from Radio Iowa, click here for story.
In response to the Iowa State Senate's approval of the legislation earlier this month some environmental groups claim that the legislation will hurt Iowa's ability to create regulations that restrict the application of manure to frozen ground. According to one group,
"The Senate's action is a travesty," said Hugh Espey, executive director of Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement. "It's a slap in the face to all Iowans who care about clean water and a decent quality of life."For Midwest Agnet story, click here.
Posted: 04/27/09
