A contentious bill that threatens to overturn the ban on industrial hog farming in the Buffalo National River watershed is making its way through the Arkansas Legislature. Senate Bill 290, which has already passed the Senate, recently cleared the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry, and Economic Development in a close vote. Despite opposition from conservation organizations and members of the governor’s administration, the bill continues to move forward.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Blake Johnson and Rep. DeAnn Vaught, aims to limit the ability of state agencies to place moratoriums on farming in watersheds, making it harder to protect the Buffalo from pollution. The proposed legislation has sparked concern among opponents, who fear it could pave the way for industrial hog farming near the Buffalo National River watershed.
Although Gov. Sarah Sanders and her administration officials have spoken out against the bill, it still managed to pass the House Committee. Conservationists and concerned citizens have been actively opposing the bill, citing the potential environmental hazards associated with concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The Buffalo River watershed has been a focal point of the debate, as it is a significant tourist attraction in Arkansas.
Despite the opposition, the bill has advanced to the final vote in the House. If passed, it would require the Legislature to reconsider current farming permit moratoriums by 2026, potentially impacting the bans in watersheds like Lake Maumelle and the Buffalo River. The fight over industrial farming in the Buffalo River watershed is far from over as stakeholders continue to push for the protection of this iconic natural resource.
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