The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing a tax on livestock that could cause farmers to go out of business.

The plan would require permit fees based on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions that are said to be produced by cows and hogs.

"The best thing we had was that we could feed our people and have a good, safe product for our people to eat, but it’s not that way anymore." Says Don Parmer, a Livestock Farmer.

Parmer has been farming in his family business since he was 5 year old.

He says he's worried the days of livestock agriculture will soon come to an end.

"It concerns me that what I have known all my life is dying before my eyes really and I think people need to be concerned about the food supply in this country," says Parmer

If a proposed tax by the United States Environmental Protection Agency is passed, farmers with large herds would have to pay $175 per dairy cow, $87.50 per head of beef cattle, and $20 for each hog annually.

It would affect any farm or ranch with more than 25 dairy cows, 50 beef cattle or 200 hogs- the EPA says these animals are emitting 100 tons of carbon per year.

Currently there are no taxes on each animal.

"Well, if you are making 150 dollars a head, that is over half of your profit that they are taking on tax. There is a limit on what you can do with what you got," says Parmer

The EPA claims that livestock is responsible for releasing methane into the air which is produced from decaying vegetation, termites, and livestock flatulence.

News 4 tried to contact the EPA for more information, but they did not respond.

Some local experts believe taxing livestock is not the answer.

"If you are going to tax livestock because they are putting gases in the air, what about people that have compost heaps in their backyard with decaying vegetation? You are going to have to stomp out all termites, and eventually, you are going to have to watch out for water vapors in the air, because that is a more potent greenhouse gas," says Oscar Fann, WTVY Chief Meteorologist

Alabama agriculture and industries commissioner Ron Sparks is completely against this proposed tax and is fighting.

"Our farmers have paid enough prices in my opinion, and we need to make sure that the government doesn't wrap one more thing around their neck. It’s crazy," says Commissioner Ron Sparks of The Alabama Agriculture & Industries

Commissioner Sparks is urging the public to speak out before Friday- November 28th when the EPA will be reviewing this change.

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