As expected, the first challenge to the EPA’s endangerment finding was filed in federal court. What is surprising is which group was the first to challenge the Endangerment Finding. I expected a large regional utility or a large business association such as the Chamber of Commerce; but I never expected the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

What is the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association?

The organization was established in 1898. The stated mission of the association was to increase profit opportunities for cattle and beef producers by enhancing the business climate and building consumer demand. The association has always been focused on two activities since its’ inception, legislative lobbying and industry-wide communication through a national newsletter.

What is their stance or objection to the EPA’s endangerment finding?

The NCBA believes that the EPA Endangerment Finding may lead to:

1. Cattle operations required to purchase permits to emit greenhouse gases, forcing the closure of many cattle operations.
2. EPA climate regulations would harm the profitability of large farms.
3. Activist groups suing large and small businesses, including cattle ranches over GHG emissions.

Citing EPA statistics, the association notes that 2007 agriculture GHG emissions comprised of less than 6 percent of total U.S. GHG emissions in Tg CO2 Eq, while land use, land use change, and forestry activities resulted in a net carbon soil sequestration of about 14.9 percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

However, Nathan Pelletier of Dalhousie University in Canada said that while beef only accounts for 30 percent of meat consumption in the developed world, it’s responsible for 78 percent of the emissions. A single kilogram of beef produces 16 kilograms of equivalent CO2 emissions. That’s four times higher than pork and more than ten times more than a kilogram of poultry.

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