If you would like further information about environmental state legislation, please contact Roy Hengerson at hengerson@yahoo.com or 573-644-2828.

Local Control/Large Factory Farms (CAFOs)
Oppose SB364
SB364 sponsored by Senator Chris Koster (R-31) would ban any local ordinances that regulate agricultural operations. In the absence of adequate state and federal regulations of large CAFOs, which are just ½ of a percent of the farming operations in Missouri, 20 counties have enacted health ordinances to control the threat to public health and the environment from these factory farms. In addition, SB364 would restrict the ability of neighboring farmers and property owners to take legal action against these livestock factories when they negatively impact their health, welfare, and property values.

On February 28, SB364 had a hearing in the Senate Agriculture, Conservation, Parks & Natural Resources Committee at which many people on both sides of the issue showed up. After the hearing, the Committee went into executive session and voted the bill do pass by a 6 to 2 vote. A few days later it was reported do pass, which moved it to the Senate Perfection Calendar. Senator Koster worked on a substitute bill, which was revealed on March 28. However, the revised language still contains the objectionable sections and should be opposed.

On April 3, SB364 was brought up to the Senate for floor debate. Several Democratic Senators including Senators Wes Shoemyer, Joan Bray, and Jeff Smith worked to slow the bill’s progress by proposing amendments. After about two hours of debate, the bill sponsor laid it over on the Informal Perfection Calendar. It can be brought up for further action at any time. There is also a House companion to SB364, HB1203 sponsored by Rep. Brian Munzlinger (R-1). HB1203 contains the same language that is in the Senate substitute for SB364.
SB364 represents a significant threat to the health and welfare of Missouri’s family farmers, rural property owners, and even urban dwellers from unregulated pollution by large CAFOs.

Sand and Gravel Mining
Oppose HB628 as currently written
Sand and gravel mining along streams can disrupt fish and wildlife species that live in and around rivers and streams. This material can build up along streams due to erosion of stream banks, but removal often creates more problems and should be regulated. There are guidelines available that if followed greatly decrease the damage to stream ecology from mining. There are regulations in place that were negotiated several years ago. Although not perfect, these regs should be given some time to see if they work well. HB628 sponsored by Representative Tom Loehner (R-112) would revise these regs. As introduced, HB628 would have weakened them considerably. It would increase the amount mining activity that does not need a permit.

Rep. Loehner has been meeting with fishing and environmental groups, as well as with landowners and other interested parties to develop some compromise language that would satisfy those interests. We appreciate his efforts to work with us, however as the bill is currently written it is not adequate. The House Committee Substitute (HCS) improves HB628 significantly, and we are working to strengthen the bill further. We are seeking a reduction in the total amount per year that a landowner can mine without a permit from 5000 tons to 3000 tons, and better oversight over counties that use sand and gravel from streams for road and other projects. The last action on HB628 was on March 14 when the House Conservation & Natural Resources Committee voted the bill do pass.

Easy Connection Act/Net Metering
Support HB869 and SB674
Missouri has lagged behind other states in increasing the amount of renewable energy that is used to generate electric power. An easy way to encourage development of renewable energy power is to make it fairer and simpler for landowners and householders to install renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines and connect to the electric grid. Currently, such connection procedures are confusing and complicated. Some 41 states already have workable net metering rules. HB869 sponsored by Representative Jason Holsman (D-45) and SB674 sponsored by Senator Joan Bray (D-24) would establish standardized and simple procedures for connecting renewable energy systems to the grid, and would provide a fair one-to-one credit system for the renewable energy produced.

HB869 had a hearing on March 13 and SB674 had a hearing on March 29. At both hearings the testimony was overwhelmingly favorable. The next step is for these bills to be reported do pass and sent on to the full House and Senate for consideration and debate. Contacts with your Representative and Senator would be helpful in moving these bills along.

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