A Missouri law barring counties from introducing additional regulations on hog farms is not against the state constitution, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled in the US, March 22, Success Farming reports online.
In 2019, Missouri lawmakers barred counties from passing rules that “are inconsistent with state laws and regulations or are more restrictive.” Neighbors complain about the smell of large cattle farms (CAFOs) and fear that tens of thousands of tons of pig manure will contaminate groundwater.
Two years ago, the farm of one of the world’s largest pork producers, Smithfield Foods, leaked about 350,000 gallons (1,325 m³) of pig manure and sewage when an employee failed to close a valve and drain the sewage lagoon. The leak darkened the water in nearby streams, making them dangerous to animals for up to 15 miles (27 km). The limit level of ammonia was exceeded 30 times.
Several counties have placed restrictions on farms. They called for the removal of residential buildings and imposed requirements for air and water quality. In 2021, the state passed a law limiting the ability to set rules at the county level.
Several counties found the restriction unconstitutional and challenged the law in court. Despite the complaints of the neighbors of the farms, the court sided with the producers.
Stephen Jeffrey, an environmental lawyer who represented the plaintiffs in the case, told reporters: “My clients are disappointed with the court’s decision, but they respect the court and will move forward putting these issues behind them.”.
Jeffrey built the charge that the 2019 and 2021 state laws violated the Missouri constitution’s Right to Farm Amendment, which gives counties the power to regulate agriculture.
Chief Justice Paul Wilson considered that the appellants had failed to prove their case: “these powers are as broad or as limited as the general assembly wishes [законодательный орган штата прим. ИА Красная Весна] »__.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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