Two Arkansas lawmakers introduced a bill Tuesday aiming to prevent state agencies from banning hog farming in the Buffalo River watershed or other waterways without legislative approval.
Senate Bill 84, sponsored by Rep. DeAnn Vaught (R-Horatio) and Sen. Blake Johnson (R-Corning), both farmers, would require state agencies to seek clearance from the Arkansas Legislative Council before instituting moratoriums on farming permits in watersheds statewide.
According to Phillip Powell of the Arkansas Times (subscription may be required), the bill responds to proposed rules from the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy and Environment that would make permanent a temporary moratorium on hog farming in the Buffalo River watershed. This moratorium arose after public outcry over C&H Hog Farm, a large-scale operation permitted in the area in 2013, which has since closed.
The Buffalo River, a federally designated national river, attracts millions of tourists annually and is considered a state treasure. Environmental groups, including The Ozark Society and The Buffalo River Watershed Alliance, have long opposed farming in the watershed due to concerns over concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), which can pollute waterways with nitrogen and phosphorus from liquid animal waste.
The Farm Bureau opposes the proposed moratorium, calling it an infringement on the “right to farm.” In contrast, environmental advocates argue the rules are necessary to protect the Buffalo River from pollution.
The Department of Agriculture and the Department of Energy and Environment continue to seek public input on the proposed rules.
Meanwhile, Vaught and Johnson’s bill would expand its reach beyond the Buffalo River, impacting any farming moratoriums in Arkansas waterways.
File image: National Park Service
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5. And catch CBS News around the top of the hour on 1340 KBTA.
