Farmers and Ranchers Needed to Defend Agriculture’s Future
American agriculture is once again facing a legal battle that could have far-reaching consequences for farmers, ranchers, rural communities, and consumers across the country. Twenty-four Democrat-led states, along with several environmental activist organizations, have filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent decision to rescind the Endangerment Finding. If they succeed, the federal government could regain broad authority to impose costly greenhouse gas regulations that affect nearly every aspect of agriculture.
Ag Women Connect is encouraging farmers, ranchers, agricultural businesses, and rural stakeholders to lend their names and voices to an amicus brief organized by the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) in support of the EPA’s action. It is critical that we lend our voices in defense of the EPA’s decision because the outcome of this case could determine whether the federal government retains the legal authority to continue expanding greenhouse gas regulations that affect agriculture, transportation, energy production, and rural America.
What Is the Endangerment Finding?
In 2009, the EPA issued the Endangerment Finding, which declared that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases pose a threat to public health and welfare. This declaration provided the legal basis for numerous federal regulations impacting transportation, energy, manufacturing, and other sectors. For agriculture, it has been used as a legal foundation for policies that raise operational costs and create uncertainty about future regulations. According to the America First Policy Institute, the Endangerment Finding has been used to justify regulations that increase the costs of trucks, equipment, fuel, electricity, and fertilizer. It also leaves room for future administrations to implement direct greenhouse gas regulations on livestock operations, as methane emissions are included within its scope.
What Could Happen to Agriculture?
If the lawsuit succeeds and the Endangerment Finding is reinstated, agriculture could again face policies that raise production costs and impose additional regulatory pressure on family farms and ranches. According to the America First Policy Institute, the legal framework established by the Endangerment Finding has been used to support vehicle mandates, power plant regulations, and policies that could eventually target agricultural methane emissions.
Simply put, decisions made in Washington can have real-world impacts on how we grow food, raise livestock, and keep rural America strong.
What Is an Amicus Brief?
An amicus brief, often called a “friend of the court” brief, enables individuals and organizations affected by a case to share their insights and viewpoints with the court. America First Policy Institute is preparing such a brief supporting the EPA’s decision to rescind the Endangerment Finding and wants the court to hear directly from farmers and ranchers impacted by this decision.
Participating in the brief does not mean you assume legal liability, pay legal fees, or commit to any future legal actions. It simply means your name and perspective will be part of the agricultural community’s voice in this significant case.
Agriculture Must Be Heard and AFPI is Making It Happen
This lawsuit could influence agricultural policy for years. For too long, courts and regulators have mostly heard from activist groups and their supported lawmakers, claiming to represent the public interest. Meanwhile, those of us in agriculture, who produce our nation’s food, are often underrepresented or misrepresented.
Farmers and ranchers must have a voice, and participating in the amicus brief prepared by AFPI is one way to ensure that. The court needs to hear directly from those who understand the realities of food production, livestock management, energy and equipment costs, and the challenges of running an agricultural operation.
Take Action Today
Ag Women Connect encourages farmers, ranchers, landowners, agricultural business owners, and rural stakeholders to support the America First Policy Institute’s amicus brief backing the EPA’s withdrawal of the Endangerment Finding. Your involvement sends a strong message that agriculture is engaged and that food producers want sensible policies that enable, not hinder, their operations.
Now is the moment for agriculture to unite and ensure that farmers’ and ranchers’ voices are heard in this vital legal fight. To be included in the amicus brief, please contact the America First Policy Institute as soon as possible.
Contact: Tellis@AmericaFirstPolicy.com
