Brownback Appropriations Amendment Accepted over Cow Tax

U.S. Senator Sam Brownback applauded the Appropriations Committee acceptance of his amendment which will ensure against the imposition of the “cow tax” on Kansas farmers and ranchers. The Brownback amendment was attached to the Interior Appropriations bill which has passed Committee and is now headed to the Senate floor, USAgNet reports.

The Brownback amendment prevents the Environmental Protection Agency from mandating that farmers and ranchers apply for permits under Title V of the Clean Air Act. This mandate is known as “the cow tax.” The amendment applies to fiscal year 2010. The American Farm Bureau estimates that the “cow tax” would cost $87.50 per head of cattle.

“I’m pleased the Senate Appropriations Committee accepted my amendment which will prevent the EPA from instituting the “cow tax” during the coming year,” said Brownback. “The last thing we need to do in this tough economy is raise taxes; we should be making it easier for people to do business, not piling on new taxes and regulations.”