Show-Me State Times

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has formally addressed concerns regarding a proposed amendment by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that could significantly impact Missouri's agriculture and biofuels sectors. In a letter directed to CARB's Chair, Bailey demands the rescission of the amendment, citing potential harm to Missouri farmers.

Bailey expressed his commitment to defending Missouri's agricultural interests: “Missouri’s agriculture and biofuels industries are vital to the success of our state, so I will do everything in my power to protect Missouri farmers,” he stated. He further criticized what he perceives as an attack from "radical climate activists in California" on family farms and economic growth in Missouri.

The contentious amendment proposes limiting the entry of Missouri-made biofuels into California by capping soybean oil credits at 20 percent and imposing rigorous reporting requirements. These measures could compel Missouri farmers to disclose sensitive operational information.

Bailey raised concerns about the lack of public workshops or formal rulemaking associated with this proposal. He pointed out that it permits CARB's Executive Officer to independently assign indirect land use change values based on various factors such as land cover and crop yield.

In his communication, Bailey emphasized, “Missouri farmers have a long history of environmental stewardship and should be viewed as a key part of the solution to improve air quality in California and throughout the country.”

Highlighting the importance of agriculture to both national and state economies, Bailey warned that California's proposed changes would inflict economic damage on Missouri’s farming industry. With over 88,000 farms contributing billions annually, he argues that these amendments pose a threat to their prosperity.

Attorney General Bailey has called for an immediate halt to the proposal. The full content of his letter is available for public review.