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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Today 11am: Farm Bureau Sues, Activists/Farmers Respond

Advocates, Farmers to Expose Influence of Agribusiness Giants

New Report to Detail Efforts to Fight Clean Water Protections

WHAT
Environment Maryland will release a new study on the political influence of major agribusiness companies and their efforts to undermine laws that protect rivers, streams, and treasured waterways like the Chesapeake Bay.  The report, Growing Influence: the Political Power of Agribusiness and the Fouling of America’s Waterways, includes an analysis of data from Maryland and throughout the country.  Advocates, farmers, and legislators will detail examples of environmental policy and enforcement getting blocked by agribusiness interests.

Agricultural pollution is one of the main causes of poor water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways throughout the country.  The American Farm Bureau Federation has filed suit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to prevent them from enforcing the Clean Water Act.  Meanwhile Congress is considering budget amendments that would tie the hands of federal agencies and restrict them in carrying out their responsibilities under existing laws.

WHEN
11:00 AM, Thursday, Feb. 24

WHERE
Lawyer’s Mall, in front of State House
100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD 21401

VISUALS
Backdrop of State House

WHO
Sen. Roger Manno, Maryland State Senate, District 19
Del. Tom Hucker, Maryland House of Delegates, District 20
Carole Morison, Farmer and Activist (former chicken grower for Perdue Farms, Inc.)
Michael Tabor, Farmer and Activist
Ruth Berlin, Executive Director, Maryland Pesticide Network
Tommy Landers, Policy Advocate, Environment Maryland

1 comment:

EdenMan said...

Crap flows downhill....you, me, and the Chesapeake are down hill. The good news here is that people on the Shore have taken an interest in whats around then.