Senate Gives First Round Approval To CAFO Bill

The Senate has given first round approval to a bill that would change the rules regulating concentrated animal feed operations. The legislation modifies requirements needed for construction permits for any new concentrated animal feed operation – or CAFO. Supporters say the current laws covering CAFOs have to be changed because they allow for too much input from non-farmers. At times, Senate discussion took on the appearance of a rural Republican versus urban Democrat debate. Republican Senator David Klindt of Bethany says the changes are needed to protect the private property of farmers. But Democratic Senator Chuck Graham of Columbia says local elected officials must be kept abreast of any effort to operate a CAFO. The bill is approved on a party-line vote. One more successful vote sends the bill to the House.