NPPC Defends Pork Producers: Key Updates on Clean Water Act, Trade Barriers, and Animal Health

NPPC Tackles Clean Water Act, Rodenticide Regulations, Trade Barriers, and Animal Health Guidelines in Recent Advocacy Efforts

In a busy week of advocacy and action, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) addressed critical issues affecting the U.S. pork industry. From presenting arguments before the Supreme Court to urging delays in new EPA regulations, commenting on international trade barriers, and participating in a key animal health conference, NPPC continues to defend the interests of pork producers across the country. Here’s a breakdown of this week’s significant efforts:

Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Clean Water Act Case
The NPPC, in collaboration with various industry groups, presented its arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court in a Clean Water Act (CWA) case that could have major implications for agricultural producers, including livestock operations. The case centers on a wastewater discharge permit for San Francisco’s sewer system, which deals with both sewage and stormwater runoff. While the permit regulates the specific types and amounts of pollutants allowed, it also includes unattainable language prohibiting any negative impact on “water quality.”

This vague requirement could lead to costly legal challenges for agricultural producers, as any discharge, even within permitted limits, would technically violate the permit’s broad standards. NPPC argued that such impossible-to-meet requirements could expose farmers and livestock producers to expensive lawsuits from activist groups, who often exploit the legal system to harass businesses with compliance lawsuits. The NPPC and its allies are urging the Supreme Court to overturn a lower court ruling that upheld these burdensome standards, which could set a dangerous precedent for agriculture and other industries.