In one of their “genius” moves to save the world from man-made global warming, the EPA has proposed a fee be charged for certain greenhouse gas emitting livestock. According to the AP, farms and ranches with more than 25 dairy cows, 50 beef cattle, or 200 hogs will be required to pay annual fees of approximately $175 per cow, $87.50 per head of cattle, and $20 per hog. Livestock owners are concerned the hefty price tags from these regulations would bankrupt them, with costs for even modest cattle ranches likely reaching $30,000 to $40,000 annually. Consumers can certainly count on increased prices as a piece of meat or glass of milk will come with the embedded cost of the fees these farmers and ranchers will pay.
Further, Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, is concerned that these fees are merely the beginning and will open the door for other farm animals to be taxed. He also fears it will result in greater importation of meat from other countries where health standards aren’t always as rigorous. And aren’t we always being told by global warming alarmists to buy locally to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions created transporting food products long distances? Seems to defeat the purpose of the tax in the first place, doesn’t it?
And of course this proposal is supported by the people at PETA, because they see it as a way to manipulate people into adopting a more vegan lifestyle. A spokesman for the organization has this to say, “It makes perfect sense if you are looking for ways to cut down on meat consumption and recoup environmental losses.” I also don’t find any comfort in the belief by Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt that he “doesn’t believe the cow tax is a serious proposal.” Often crazy ideas are floated and allowed to percolate in the public debate long enough to seem reasonable and then made into law…