UEP supports the legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) with several co-sponsors that would exclude animal manure's air emissions from the reporting requirements of the Emergency Preparedness and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). UEP president and CEO Chad Gregory offered this comment when the bill was introduced; "United Egg Producers is very grateful to Senator Fischer for leading this legislative effort to eliminate a reporting requirement that would impose on egg producers a pointless burden that serves no legitimate purpose and would only create risk and liabilities."

EPCRA was enacted to help communities plan for critical emergencies resulting from chemical spills or releases, and it has reporting requirements for the storage, use and release of certain chemicals. State and local authorities use EPCRA information to prepare for or respond appropriately to these emergencies.

UEP agrees with thoughts Senator Fischer shared when the bill was introduced. "The last thing producers need are more government regulations.," said Senator Fischer. "And first responders, who deal with real public safety emergencies every day, don't need to be inundated with irrelevant reports."

For questions regarding the bill or EPCRA reporting requirements that apply to egg producers, contact UEP consultant Tom Hebert at tom.hebert@bayardridge.com.