UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalizes major changes to its farming and water quality regulations for large-scale animal operations, Penn State Cooperative Extension specialists have prepared a new fact sheet to help citizens take advantage of a new opportunity for public input.

"Shaping New EPA CAFO Rules: A Guide to the EPA's November 2001 Notice of Data Availability," is a fact sheet authored by Charles Abdalla, associate professor of agricultural economics, and Alyssa Dodd, extension associate in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. The publication explains the EPA's request for public feedback on regulations for large-scale animal agriculture or concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO).

Based on comments received during an initial comment period for proposed changes (which ended in July 2001), EPA established an additional opportunity for public comment on specific aspects of the proposed CAFO rule through Jan. 15, 2002. The fact sheet addresses key areas for comment, how to obtain a copy of the notice and tips for preparing and submitting comments.

"People involved in animal agriculture -- farmers, agribusiness, feed suppliers, processors and related businesses -- will find the fact sheet useful, as will public decision-makers, elected officials and anyone interested in water quality and the environment," Abdalla says. "Township officials, for instance, need to know how the coming federal requirements will affect them.

"This additional public participation opportunity is specific to the comments and data received during the initial comment period for the proposed changes prior to July 2001," he explains. "Responders should be sure to focus on the 19 specific areas where the agency is soliciting comments. EPA is not seeking general comments on the proposed rule."

Abdalla says that the EPA's willingness to hear from all sources provides citizens with an extraordinary opportunity to take part in important public policymaking. "Everyone benefits from broader public participation, as it stimulates discussion and more perspectives," he says. "These are complex issues."

Copies of the fact sheet are available as an electronic PDF file on the Web at http://agenvpolicy.aers.psu.edu/CAFO/NODA.htm. To receive a paper copy or for further information, contact Abdalla at 814-865-2562 or CAbdalla@psu.edu or Alyssa Dodd at 814-863-5884 or ard108@psu.edu.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Charles Abdalla at 814-865-2562.

Contact:

Gary Abdullah gxa2@psu.edu 814-863-2708 814-865-1068 fax