Number: RL31851
Title: Animal Waste and Water Quality: EPA Regulation of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
Authors: Claudia Copeland, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: This report provides background on the 2003 environmental rules, the previous Clean Water Act rules and the Clinton Administration proposal, and perspectives of key interest groups on the proposal and final regulations. It also identifies several issues that could be of congressional interest as implementation of the revised rules proceeds. Issues include adequacy of funding for implementing the rules, research needs, oversight of implementation of the rules, and possible need for legislation. The revised CAFO rules were challenged by multiple parties, and in February 2005, a federal court issued a ruling that upheld major parts of the rules, vacated other parts, and remanded still other parts to EPA for clarification. In October 2008, EPA issued revisions to the rules in response to the 2005 court decision.
Pages: 24
Date: November 17, 2008