Fischer Statement on CAFO Data Release Ruling

Press Release

On Friday, September 9, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the EPA's release of personal information related to concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) was a violation of privacy. U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement in support of the ruling:

"The EPA blatantly violated the privacy of Nebraska ag producers with this data release. I'm pleased that the court has confirmed what many in Nebraska knew all along: the release of this private and confidential information was illegal.

"The EPA must end their shameless disregard for the Constitutional rights of our citizens and operate within the law, not outside it. I will continue to monitor this case and conduct aggressive oversight to ensure the privacy rights of all private citizens and businesses are protected."

Senator Fischer has worked for years to hold the EPA accountable for their actions. Friday's ruling by the 8th Circuit stems from a 2012 request by environmental groups to the EPA under the Freedom of Information Act. The EPA proceeded to release data on private businesses and farms in February 2013. This information included the animal type and number of head, as well as the personal contact information, including the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of livestock owners.

In July 2013, Fischer cosponsored legislation, known as the Farmer Identity Protection Act, to prevent the EPA from disclosing the private information of farmers and ranchers. She also joined several of her colleagues in a 2013 letter to Acting EPA Administrator Bob Perciasepe, demanding answers for the agency's decision to release personal and confidential business information of Nebraskans.

Source