Feds sued over last-minute toxics exemption for farms

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Several environmental groups are suing to block a last-minute rule handed down by the Bush administration, which exempts farms from federal toxic emissions requirements for animal waste.

The lawsuit was filed by Earthjustice on behalf of groups that say the new rule would hurt neighbors of the farms, which are staples of California’s Central Valley and other agricultural regions.

‘Factory farms commonly release unsafe levels of toxic air pollution that can be dangerous for workers and nearby residents,’ Earthjustice attorney Keri Powell said in a news release. ‘The Bush administration’s parting gift to factory farms is to help them guard that dirty secret.’

The Environmental Protection Agency finalized the rule in December, arguing that emissions reports to the federal government ‘are unnecessary because there is no reasonable expectation that a federal response would be made as a result.’

Farms still must report emissions that exceed clean-air standards to state and local authorities. The rule was one of several late-term decisions that have drawn fire from environmentalists. It takes effect Jan. 20 –- meaning the incoming Obama administration couldn’t immediately overturn it.

-- Jim Tankersley