Nixon blasts bill on animal farms

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Democratic Attorney General Jay Nixon on Monday blasted a bill that would prohibit counties from enacting ordinances that are tougher than state restrictions on animal feeding operations.

Speaking at the Missouri Association of Counties' Legislative Conference, Nixon said the legislation infringes on the rights of local officials.

"If you at the local level determine that you want to have tougher standards for cleaner air and water in your jurisdiction, you should have the right to do that," Nixon said. "That right should not be taken away by state legislators who are swayed by multinational agriculture corporations."

He added: "Isn't it nice to get a federalism lecture from the Legislature and then have them come right back directly in the face of local governments and pass (this) bill?"

His comments won strong applause from conference attendees.

The Republican-led Senate passed the livestock legislation last month, sending it to the House.

Besides limiting county governments' abilities to draft stronger ordinances, the bill would also lessen public notification requirements for all but the largest livestock producers. Only the largest Missouri farms -- those with more than 17,500 pigs, for example -- would be subject to the current requirements of notifying property owners and county officials before building or expanding their operations.

Supporters say the bill protects farmers' property rights against environmental groups that urge neighbors and local politicians to oppose big livestock farms.

Nixon urged local officials to lobby lawmakers to defeat the bill.

"This is an assault on the rural lifestyle that many of us in Missouri value a great deal," he said.

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Livestock bill is SB187

On the Net:

Legislature: http://www.moga.state.mo.us