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Johanns: EPA’s handling of producer information ‘is a mess’

Reports that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency continued to release personal information about livestock operations—even after livestock groups and members of Congress complained about the situation—have raised the ire of Nebraska U.S. Senator Mike Johanns.

In a written statement, Johanns called EPA’s action “at best, woeful negligence and at worst, a flagrant effort to aid organizations seeking to radically transform American agriculture.” 

According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, EPA released more records for livestock producers in Nebraska and Montana less than a month after the initial release of records to three environmental activist groups. The initial release of data was in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, but EPA has acknowledged that some of the more private information, including producer names and farm locations, should have been scrubbed before it was released.

Johanns made these comments Wednesday during his weekly conference call with reporters.

AUDIO: Mike Johanns (4:17 MP3)