Grassley, Colleagues Fight Hasty Proposal that Could Result in Widespread Closure of Smaller Meat Packing Plants

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) in requesting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) withdraw its new meat and poultry wastewater proposal, which stands to hamper rural economies and drive small- and mid-sized processing facilities out of business.  

“Given the technical complexity and high costs of wastewater treatment alterations, coupled with the massive expansion of the number of regulated facilities, a 60-day comment period demonstrates EPA is not interested in seeking meaningful input from the regulated industry. As such, we urge EPA to withdraw the rule,” the lawmakers wrote.

“The proposed rule exposes hundreds of operators to a new regulatory regime with significant costs and a disregard of the ramifications on stakeholders … We are concerned the number of potential closures is likely much higher than estimated, and we believe it is irresponsible for EPA to propose regulations that will arbitrarily close plants and eliminate jobs from the rural economy,” they continued.

This push from Grassley and his colleagues is backed by the American Association of Meat Processors, the North American Renderers Association and the North American Meat Institute.

Read the full letter HERE.

Background
The EPA on January 24, 2024 published its proposed changes to the Effluent Limitations Guidelines (ELGs) for Meat and Poultry Products (MPPs). The guidelines apply to wastewater discharged by meat and poultry processors and renderers, as defined in a Clean Water Act program. 

The revisions EPA has put forward consist of three options, impacting between 844 and 1,618 facilities. Currently, MPP ELG guidelines affect just 180 facilities. Per EPA, this proposed regulation could close 16 MPP facilities under Option 1, 22 under Option 2 and 53 under Option 3. MPP processors support rural jobs and are key links in the national food supply chain. 

The 60-day comment period on the rule closes March 25th. EPA has announced it does not plan to issue an extension. Such a tight window does not give stakeholders adequate time to submit meaningful feedback.

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