South Dakota Senator John Thune and South Dakota Farm Bureau President, Scott Vanderwal testified Wednesday at the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on behalf of Thune’s Livestock Regulatory Protection Act.

Thune says the livestock protection provision is not limited to only cattle, but extends to all livestock and poultry production.

South Dakota Farm Bureau President, Scott Vanderwal informed the Senate committee that animal production makes up of only a small percentage of greenhouse gases.  He offered statistics indicating how livestock production has over the years decreased its carbon footprint, while producing more food for consumers.

Vanderwal offered the Senate committee specific examples of increased food production with carbon reduction.

The South Dakota Farm Bureau president requested the environment committee to allow agriculture to continue to reduce carbon emissions through innovation, and not to place fines and additional regulations on farmers.