A bill known as Senate Bill 290 in Arkansas is causing controversy as it seeks to change protections against farming near bodies of water, including the Buffalo National River watershed. The bill could potentially allow permits to be issued for livestock, poultry operations, and feeding operations in these areas, subject to legislative approval. The bill also includes a provision that would require moratoriums on permits to expire after four years, potentially putting these protections at risk.
Gordon Watkins, a farming veteran and president of the Buffalo River Watershed Alliance, highlighted the environmental concerns related to farming near waterways, citing a previous hog farm operation that polluted the Buffalo River with harmful bacteria and nutrients. The state had to buy out the hog farm due to water contamination issues.
The Arkansas Farm Bureau supports Senate Bill 290, claiming it addresses concerns about unwarranted restrictions on farming operations. They argue that the bill would place the authority to approve or deny moratoriums on permits with elected members of the General Assembly, ensuring regulatory approval and due process are followed.
The bill is currently going through the legislative process and has sparked debate between environmentalists concerned about water quality and farmers who support the bill for protecting agriculture interests. The outcome of Senate Bill 290 remains to be seen as it continues to be discussed and potentially revised in the Arkansas Senate committee.
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