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The
Missouri Senate debated a bill on Tuesday that some have
praised as a compromise between the interests of agribusiness
and groups demanding more local control.
Large livestock farms have caused controversy in Missouri,
with a county jury last September awarding three families
a $4.5 million verdict against Premium Standard Farms because
of the stench from one of its hog farms.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Chris Koster (R-Harrisonville),
would prohibit such lawsuits and bar county commissions
and county health boards from enacting ordinances limiting
livestock operations.
On the flip side, it would establish new state standards
for large livestock operations calling for management practices
and technology that minimize odor. New operations that don't
meet the standards would face increased distance requirements
from nearby homes and buildings. The legislation would also
give tax credits of up to $100,000 to operations that install
odor-reducing technologies.
The bill is opposed by some counties as well as groups such
as the Missouri Rural Crisis Center.
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