BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Lawmakers are looking at a possible new and interesting way to control greenhouse emissions.
The Environmental Protection Agency has looked into the idea of charging fees on cows and other livestock for their flatulence. Some scientists say that the methane that cows release is impacting the environment.
California dairy farmers say the fees would get expensive and could possibly devastate the industry. They hope this gas-passing tax is one that doesn't get passed.
"We're bailing out huge industries and now we're talking about putting a tax on the family farm that's going to be extremely high" says Charlie Hanehan, a dairy farm owner in Bakersfield, California.
The livestock gas tax has not yet been formally proposed. Last summer, the EPA asked for public comments on the idea of regulating greenhouse gas emissions from cars, as well as "stationary sources", which include cows and other livestock.
If passed, the fees could run as high as $175 per dairy cow
Sounds funny, but what would that be as far as costs to families in a bad economy? This would include milk, cheese, and other food items made from cows..........
