Texas Senate Bill SB876

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 4/6/09
• Voted on by Senate: 4/16/09
• Out of House Committee: 5/12/09
• Voted on by House: 5/27/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 5/28/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the performance of annual soil tests for certain concentrated animal feeding operations by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Impact

While the bill aims to bolster environmental protection in agricultural operations, there are implications for both the farming community and state regulation practices. The requirement for annual testing may impose additional operational costs on CAFO operators and could potentially influence how these businesses manage their waste. However, the long-term benefits may lead to healthier soil and a reduction in nutrient runoff, which can ultimately benefit the ecosystem and public health in the surrounding communities.

Summary

SB876 mandates annual soil tests for concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) in Texas, specifically conducted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). This bill seeks to ensure that environmental standards are maintained by requiring that CAFOs routinely test soil nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus, as a way to prevent potential soil degradation and to manage waste application effectively. These tests are considered vital for ensuring the ecological balance and health of surrounding areas affected by CAFO practices.

Contention

One point of contention surrounding SB876 is the potential financial burden it places on CAFO operators who may need to allocate resources for compliance and testing. Critics argue that such regulations could be overly burdensome for local farmers, particularly smaller operations that may struggle with the associated costs. Proponents, however, highlight the necessity of these regulations for protecting environmental quality and preventing issues related to nutrient overload in agricultural spaces.