A bill under consideration in an Iowa House committee would shield Iowa farmers and renewable fuel producers from lawsuits or criminal charges related to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions such as methane and carbon dioxide.
The measure is supported by farm groups, including the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the Iowa Pork Producers Association.
The bill includes exceptions that would allow lawsuits if there is clear and convincing evidence a farmer violated a government permit or regulation related to emissions.
According to the latest data from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, agricultural production accounts for 29% of the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
