Agricultural Law Weekly Review – Week Ending June 18, 2021

Agricultural Labor: U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Tort Suit Against Cocoa Purchasers for Contributing to Child Slavery 🌾
On June 17, 2021, the Supreme Court of the United States issued an opinion reversing and remanding the Ninth Circuit’s decision that the Alien Tort Statute (ATS) allowed six Malian individuals to bring suit in the U.S. against Nestlé USA, Inc., and Cargill, Inc. on allegations that the companies’ cocoa purchases aided and abetted child slavery.  Nestlé USA, Inc. v. John Doe I, et al., No. 19-416; John Doe v. Nestlé, S.A., No. 17-55435 (9^th Cir.).  The plaintiffs alleged that they were enslaved as children and trafficked into Cote d’Ivoire, where they were forced to work in cocoa production.  Although neither of the companies own or operate the cocoa farms where the plaintiffs were enslaved, they purchase cocoa from the farms and supply them with technical and financial resources.  The court found that nearly all the operative conduct occurred outside the U.S. and mere corporate presence does not draw a sufficient connection between the cause of action and domestic conduct.  The ruling will likely be legally distinguishable from, and not directly support dismissal of Coubaly, et al. v. Cargill, et al. No. 21-00386, a first-of-its-kind class action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for D.C. on February 2, 2021 against Hershey Foods, Mars, Nestle, Cargill and multiple other U.S. cocoa purchasers, based upon nearly identical acts pursuant to a more specific federal statute, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (“TVPRA”), 18 U.S.C. § 1595 et. seq.  The TVPRA was not made retroactive to the time of the Malian John Doe plaintiffs’ enslavement.  Also pending before the U.S. Custom and Border Protection Service (CBP) is a petition filed in February 2020 seeking to have CBP issue a Withhold and Release Order (WRO) to prevent companies importing cocoa products from Cote d’Ivoire that are “manufactured in any part with” child slave labor.  

Water Quality: Conowingo Dam Relicensing Appealed to D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals
On June 17, 2021, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Inc., Waterkeepers Chesapeake, Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper and ShoreRivers, filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit requesting the reversal and vacatur of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)’s March 19, 2021 grant of a 50-year license renewal to Exelon Generation Company, LLC to operate the Conowingo hydroelectric dam.  Waterkeepers Chesapeake, et al v. FERC, No. 21-01139.  While the text of the petition is simply one sentence until briefing by the parties, according to a statement issued by the Petitioner Waterkeepers Chesapeake, “FERC’s action is unlawful because it does not include the cleanup requirements that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) determined are necessary to assure the Dam’s compliance with water quality standards and . . . because FERC did not give adequate consideration to the harm the Dam currently does to the River, the Bay, and the fish and wildlife that live in them, as required by both the Federal Power Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.”  A virtual townhall meeting with a moderated discussion by representatives of all Petitioners, titled “Conowingo Dam’s Massive Threat to Bay Cleanup” is scheduled for June 29, 2021 at 6:30 p.m.  For more background, see ALWR—week ending March 19, 2021, “Exelon’s Conowingo Dam Relicensed As Per Settlement with Maryland.”

Animal Welfare: Nevada Becomes Ninth State to Enact “Cage-Free Egg” Legislation
On June 4, 2021, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak signed into law AB399 which prohibits after July 1, 2022, the sale and production of eggs from birds confined in an enclosure with “less than 1 square foot of usable floor space per egg-laying hen.”  After January 1, 2024, the legislation requires egg-laying hens to be kept in a “cage-free housing system.”  The law does not apply to producers with 3,000 or fewer egg-laying hens.  Nevada joins eight other states with similar “cage-free egg” laws and regulations, each with varying implementation dates: California (Proposition 12—January 1, 2022), Massachusetts (Ballot Question 3—January 1, 2022), Colorado (HB20-1343—January 1, 2023), Washington (HB 2049—January 1, 2024), Oregon (SB 1019—January 1, 2024), California (Proposition 12—January 1, 2022), and Utah (SB 147—January 1, 2025), Michigan (SB 0174—December 31, 2025), and Rhode Island (H7456—July 1, 2026).  Two lawsuits challenging the prohibition on in-state sales of non-compliant out-of-state products as a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Commerce Clause (in the context of California’s Proposition 12) are pending in the federal courts and will likely determine if any of these laws go into effect in the individual states.  See NAMI, et al. v. Becerra et al., No. 20-1215 (pending before the U.S. Supreme Court on the denial of an injunction by a federal district court against Proposition 12) and NPPC, et al. v. Ross, et. al, 20-55631 (pending before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on a dispositive motion granted by a federal district court).  Ninth Circuit oral argument in NPPC v. Ross, was held April 15, 2021, and whatever decision is rendered will be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.

COVID-19: USDA Announces $2.6 Billion in Additional Funding for Pandemic Assistance for Producers
On June 15, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced $2.6 billion in additional funding under the agency’s Pandemic Assistance for Producers programs.  According to the announcement, the agency has allocated funds as follows: small timber businesses—$200 million, biofuels producers—$700 million, Dairy Donation Program—$400 million, Supplemental Dairy Margin Coverage—$580 million, and organic cost share assistance—$20 million.  Additionally, USDA has allocated $700 million for Pandemic Response and Safety Grants, which will reimburse producers for worker protection efforts and purchases of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  USDA states that it will proceed with the announced funding assistance within 60 days.

Conservation Programs: USDA Announces July 23, 2021, Conservation Reserve Enrollment Deadline
On June 14, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced that the deadline for the Conservation Reserve Program 56th General Enrollment Period is July 23, 2021.  The agency will also accept applications from July 12–August 20, 2021 for the Conservation Reserve Program Grasslands, which provides a $15 per acre minimum payment.  Producers should contact their local USDA office to apply.  For background, see ALWR—week ending February 5, 2021, “Conservation Programs: USDA Extends Conservation Reserve Program General Signup” and ALWR—Week Ending April 23, 2021, “Conservation Programs: USDA Announces Increased Conservation Reserve Program Payments, New Incentives.”

Antimicrobial Use: FDA Finalizes Guidance for Antimicrobial Drug Veterinary Oversight
On June 11, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of final guidance for industry (GFI) #263 titled, “Recommendations for Sponsors of Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs Approved for Use in Animals to Voluntarily Bring Under Veterinary Oversight All Products That Continue to Be Available as Over-the-Counter” (86 FR 31317).  FDA states that the guidance underscores the agency’s broader effort to prevent antimicrobial resistance.  The new guidance, GFI #263, builds on FDA’s previous implementation of its 2017-issued GFI #213, which resulted in the reduced usage of antimicrobials for growth promotion through voluntary veterinary feed directives for 96% of “medically important” antimicrobial drugs administered in the feed or drinking water of food-producing animals.  GFI #263 addresses the remaining 4% of over-the-counter antimicrobials, and after its two-year implementation will shift all medically important antimicrobial drugs under veterinary supervision.

Animal Welfare: EU Parliament Passes Animal Welfare Resolution; Votes to End Use of Cages
On June 10, 2021, the European Parliament voted 15-9 to pass resolution 2021/2633(RSP), titled “Resolution on the European Citizens’ Initiative ‘End the Cage Age.’”  The resolution, issued in response to the 1.4 million votes garnered by the citizens’ initiative “End the Cage Age,” requests that the European Commission propose revisions to Directive 98/58/EC to phase out the use of cages in animal agriculture by 2027.  In addition to a general call for enhanced sustainable animal welfare measures in accordance with the EU’s Green Deal and Farm to Fork Strategy, including shorter, locally- and regionally-centered supply chains, the adopted text calls upon the Commission to prohibit the force-feeding of ducks and geese for foie gras production.  Most urgently, however, the resolution asks the Commission to provide updates on its continuing EU animal welfare legislation “Fitness Check” by 2022.

National Agricultural Policy: USDA Seeks Comment on Racial Equity in Agency Programs
On June 16, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) posted in the Federal Register a request for information titled, “Identifying Barriers in USDA Programs and Services; Advancing Racial Justice and Equity and Support for Underserved Communities at USDA” (86 FR 32013).  USDA announced it is seeking input to identify difficulties in accessing USDA services and remedy systemic inequities experienced by underserved communities, individuals, and people of color and that it plans to establish a Racial Equity Commission which will be informed by the comments.  The comment period is open until July 15, 2021.

Center for Agricultural and Shale Law Programs & Resources:

Podcast: Penn State Agricultural Law Podcast, listen to our latest weekly episode here.

Penn State News, Research & Resources:

Climate Change a Bigger Threat to Landscape Biodiversity than Emerald Ash Borer (June 7, 2021).

New Flooding Risk Tool Developed for the State of Pennsylvania (June 14, 2021).

Sorghum, a Close Relative of Corn, Tested for Disease Resistance on PA Farms (June 17, 2021).

Other Agricultural Law/Policy Resources of Interest:

Paul Goeringer, Federal and State Seed Laws Did Not Create Private Right of Action in Dispute Over Hemp Seed Sale (June 16, 2021).

Peggy Kirk Hall, Summer is a Good Time for a Youth Labor Legal Checkup (June 14, 2021).

Roger A. McEowen, The “Dormant” Commerce Clause and Agriculture (June 11, 2021).

U.S. Department of Energy, Solar Energy Technologies Office, Farmer’s Guide to Going Solar

Weekly Featured Graphic:

DEP/Robert Young, Policy Drivers and Government Incentives: Present and Future (Penn State Solar Law Symposium (6/17/21)

AGENCY PRESS RELEASES—STATE/FEDERAL

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Press Releases:

Secretary Of Agriculture, Second Lady, Legislators Urge Pennsylvanians To Be The Voice For PA Pups (June 14, 2021).

Department Of Agriculture To Canvass Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine For Business Permitting Compliance (June 16, 2021).

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Press Releases:

USDA Announces Additional Aid to Ag Producers and Businesses in Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative (June 15, 2021).

USDA Launches Grant Program to Help Expand Regional Economies and Create High-Wage Jobs in Distressed Rural Communities (June 15, 2021).

USDA Publishes Federal Register Notice for Public Input on Racial Justice and Equity (June 16, 2021).

USDA Underscores Importance of Agricultural R&D at G20 Agricultural Chief Scientists Meeting (June 16, 2021).

FACT SHEET: Update on USDA Activities to Contain the COVID-19 Pandemic (June 16, 2021).

USDA Selects 2021 Class of E. Kika De La Garza Fellows (June 17, 2021).

USDA Agency Press Releases:

Agricultural Marketing Service—Enforcement Actions

USDA Lifts PACA Reparation Sanctions on Texas Produce Business (June 14, 2021).

USDA Restricts PACA Violators in California, New York, Texas and Washington, DC, from Operating in the Produce Industry (June 14, 2021).

USDA Reaches a Consent Decision against Triple J Family Farms LLC and John Derner for Packers and Stockyards Act Violations (June 14, 2021).

USDA Determines Individual Not Responsibly Connected to Illinois Violator (June 14, 2021).

USDA Lifts PACA Reparation Sanctions on Florida Produce Business (June 15, 2021).

USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case against Jerald Hale dba H & H Calf Company (June 15, 2021).

USDA Issues a Complaint against Barnesville Livestock LLC and Darryl Watson (June 15, 2021).

USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case against Hill City Commission LLC (June 16, 2021).

USDA Determines Individuals Not Responsibly Connected to New Jersey Violator (June 16, 2021).

USDA Settles a Packers and Stockyards Case against Farmers Stockyards Inc. (June 16, 2021).

USDA Files Action Against Rain Forest Produce Inc. in California for Alleged PACA Violations (June 16, 2021).

USDA Restricts PACA Violators in California, Florida and New York from Operating in the Produce Industry (June 16, 2021).

Other USDA Agencies

USDA Announces Additional Aid to Ag Producers and Businesses in Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative, Since January, USDA has allocated $11B to producers and food and ag business, Agricultural Marketing Service (June 15, 2021).

APHIS Added Thailand to the List of Regions Considered Affected with African Horse Sickness, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (June 14, 2021).

APHIS Removal of Japan from the List of Regions Declared Free of Classical Swine Fever, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (June 16, 2021).

Honey Bees on the Move: From Pollination to Honey Production and Back—Report, Economic Research Service (June 2021).

USDA Announces Dates for Conservation Reserve Program General and Grasslands Signups, Farm Service Agency (June 14, 2021).

USDA Announces Additional Aid to Ag Producers and Businesses in Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative, Farm Service Agency (June 15, 2021).

USDA Opens Signup for CLEAR30, Expands Pilot to Be Nationwide, Farm Service Agency (June 15, 2021).

USDA Reminds Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports, Farm Service Agency (June 15, 2021).

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for Frozen Raw Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination, Food Safety and Inspection Service (June 2, 2021).

Secretary Vilsack Remarks to the 42nd Session of the FAO Conference, Foreign Agricultural Service (June 14, 2021).

Private Exporters Report Sales Activity for Unknown Destinations, Foreign Agricultural Service (June 16, 2021).

Private Exporters Report Sales Activity for the Philippines, Foreign Agricultural Service (June 17, 2021).

USDA to Invest $5 Million in Wetland Mitigation Banks, Natural Resources Conservation Service (June 16, 2021).

STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE

Pennsylvania Executive Agencies (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 51, No. 25—June 19, 2021):

Department of Environmental Protection

51 Pa.B. 3355 Notice: “The Pennsylvania Clean Streams Law and the Federal Clean Water Act: Applications for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permits and Water Quality Management (WQM) Permits Under the Clean Streams Law and Federal Clean Water Act.”

51 Pa.B. 3394 Notice: “Draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permits for the Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission; Virtual Public Hearing.”

51 Pa.B. 3395 Notice: “Federal Consistency under the Coastal Zone Management Act; Presque Isle Dock Replacement.”

51 Pa.B. 3395 Notice: “Pennsylvania’s 2021 Annual Ambient Air Monitoring Network Plan.”

Pennsylvania Legislature

Presented to Governor

SB 120 “[‘Movement of dozers’] An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in size, weight and load, further providing for conditions of permits and security for damages.” Presented to the Governor (June 16, 2021).

Legislation in Second Chamber:

SB 434 “An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in food protection, providing for milk sell by date and best by date labeling.” Removed from table [House] (June 14, 2021).

HB 523 “[Maintenance Agreements for Private Roads] An Act amending . . . the General Road Law, further providing for repair of private roads and providing for definitions.” Re-referred to Appropriations [Senate] (June 16, 2021).

House Legislation:

HB 1006 “[Crop Insurance—Taxable Income] An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in personal income tax, further providing for classes of income.” Third consideration and final passage (201-1) [House] (June 16, 2021).

HB 1632 “[Agricultural Fairs Funding] An Act amending . . . The Fiscal Code, in 2020-2021 restrictions on appropriations for funds and accounts, further providing for Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Restricted Receipts Account.” Referred to Appropriations [House] (June 15, 2021).

HB 591 “[NPDES Permit Program] An Act amending . . . The Clean Streams Law, in other pollutions and potential pollution, further providing for potential pollution.” Re-committed to Rules [House] (June 15, 2021).

HB 1658 “[Financial Relief for Rural Landlines] An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in public utility facilities, further providing for adjustment.” Referred to Transportation [House] (June 17, 2021).

Senate Legislation:

SB 447 “An Act amending . . . the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in corporate net income tax, further providing for imposition of tax.” First consideration [Senate] (June 14, 2021).

1. Res. 141 “A Resolution designating the month of June 2021 as “Dairy Month” in Pennsylvania.” Referred to Rules and Executive Nominations [Senate] (June 14, 2021).

SB 284 “[Bonding of Solar and Wind Installations] An Act amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in environmental protection, providing for bonding for alternative energy production projects; and, in special programs, providing for solar forced labor prevention.” First consideration [Senate] (June 15, 2021).

SB 318 “[Allowing Falconry on Sundays] An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking, further providing for hunting on Sunday prohibited.” First consideration [Senate] (June 16, 2021).

SB 607 “An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited and providing for hunting on Sunday.” First consideration [Senate] (June 16, 2021).

FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE/LEGISLATIVE

Federal Executive Agencies (Federal Register June 14–18, 2021):

Agriculture Department

86 FR 32013 Notice—Comment Period: “Identifying Barriers in USDA Programs and Services; Advancing Racial Justice and Equity and Support for Underserved Communities at USDA” (June 16, 2021).

86 FR 32244 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Rural Utilities Service: Assistance to High Energy Cost Grants Rural Communities]” (June 17, 2021).

86 FR 32244 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Agricultural Marketing Service: Regulations for the Inspection of Eggs]” (June 17, 2021).

Agricultural Marketing Service

86 FR 31694 Notice: “United States Standards for Lentils” (June 15, 2021).

86 FR 31693 Notice: “United States Standards for Split Peas” (June 15, 2021).

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

86 FR 31477 Notice: “Addition of Thailand to the List of Regions Considered Affected With African Horse Sickness” (June 14, 2021).

86 FR 31477 Notice—Comment Period: “Notice of Request for Reinstatement of an Information Collection; National Animal Health Monitoring System; Bison 2022 Study” (June 14, 2021).

86 FR 32015 Notice: “Removal of Japan From the List of Regions Declared Free of Classical Swine Fever” (June 16, 2021).

Employment and Training Administration

86 FR 32063 Notice: “Employment and Training Administration (ETA) Program Year (PY) 2021; Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Section 167, National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) Grantee Allotments” (June 16, 2021).

Environmental Protection Agency

86 FR 31950 Final Rule: “Tolfenpyrad; Pesticide Tolerances” (June 16, 2021).

86 FR 32259 Notice—Comment Period: “Notice of Receipt of Requests to Voluntarily Cancel Certain Pesticide Registrations” (June 17, 2021).

Fish and Wildlife Service

86 FR 31830 Final Rule: “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status for the Beardless Chinchweed and Designation of Critical Habitat” (June 15, 2021

86 FR 31668 Proposed Rule—Comment Period: “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for Mount Rainier White-Tailed Ptarmigan With a Section 4(d) Rule” (June 15, 2021).

86 FR 31726 Notice—Comment Period: “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Recovery Plan for White Fringeless Orchid” (June 15, 2021).

86 FR 31972 Final Rule: “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of Lepanthes eltoroensis From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Plants” (June 16, 2021).

86 FR 31955 Final Rule: “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Water Howellia From the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants” (June 16, 2021).

86 FR 32056 Notice—Comment Period: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Online Program Management System for Carbon Dioxide-Carp” (June 16, 2021).

86 FR 32056 Notice: “Availability of Birds of Conservation Concern 2021” (June 16, 2021).

86 FR 32241 Proposed Rule: “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 90-Day Findings for Two Species” (June 17, 2021).

86 FR 32274 Notice—Comment Period: “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Draft Recovery Plan for Nipomo Mesa lupine (Lupinus nipomensis)” (June 17, 2021).

Food and Nutrition Service

86 FR 30795 Proposed Rule: “Revision of Categorical Eligibility in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Withdrawal” (June 10, 2021).

86 FR 30910 Notice—Comment Period: “Agency Information Collection Activities: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Forms: Applications, Periodic Reporting, and Notices” (June 10, 2021).

Foreign Agricultural Service

86 FR 32245 Notice—Comment Period: “Notice of Request for Revision of a Currently Approved Information Collection [Specialty Sugar Certificate Application]” (June 17, 2021).

Rural Business-Cooperative Service

86 FR 31585 Final Rule, comments accepted: “Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program” (June 15, 2021).

86 FR 32016 Notice—Comment Period: “Inviting Applications for the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program” (June 16, 2021).

Small Business Administration

86 FR 31777 Notice: “Presidential Declaration of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Alabama” (June 15, 2021).

86 FR 31778 Notice: “Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the Commonwealth of Kentucky” (June 15, 2021).

86 FR 32303 Notice: “Presidential Declaration Amendment of a Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only for the State of Virginia [Severe Winter Storms]” (June 17, 2021).

U.S. House Agriculture Committee

H.R.2500 “Forest Technology Enhancements for Conservation and Habitat Improvement Act” or the “Forest TECH Improvement Act” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (June 14, 2021).

H.R.2507 “Making Access To Cleanup Happen Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (June 14, 2021).

H.R.2518 “Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act” or the “PRECISE Act” Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit (June 14, 2021).

H.R.2527 “Food Recovery Transportation Act” Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations (June 14, 2021).

H.R.2562 “Solving Our Shortages for Seedlings Act” or the “SOS for Seedlings Act” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (June 14, 2021).

H.R.2186 “Beginning Agriculturalist Lifetime Employment Act of 2021” or the “BALE Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2241 “Civilian Climate Corps Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2244 “Flexible Financing for Rural America Act” Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2313 “Farmworker Pesticide Safety Act” Referred to the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2581 “Biochar Innovations and Opportunities for Conservation, Health, and Advancements in Research Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2585 “Forestry Improvements to Restore the Environment Act of 2021” or the “FIRE Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2612 “Restoring Environments, Soils, Trees, and Operations to develop the Rural Economy Act of 2021” or the “RESTORE Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2613 “Conservation and Innovative Climate Partnership Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2621 “Forestry Education and Workforce Development Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture, and Research (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2639 “Trillion Trees Act” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2649 “Homegrown Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2682 “Outdoor Restoration Partnership Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2698 “Aluminum Pricing Examination Act” or the “APEX Act” Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Exchanges, Energy, and Credit (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2712 “Ensuring Safe Capital Access for All Small Businesses Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry (June 15, 2021).

H.R.2713 “Territorial Equity Act of 2021” Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations (June 15, 2021).

H.R.3954 “To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide disaster tax relief, exclude from gross income amounts received from State-based catastrophe loss mitigation programs, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means, Small Business, and Agriculture (June 16, 2021).

U.S. Senate Committee Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry:

No new actions June 14–18, 2021.

Connect with the Center on Facebook or on Twitter @AgShaleLaw

Top #AgLaw HotLinks June 14–18, 2021

Ag Groups Ask for Senate Action on Agricultural Labor Reform, The Packer

USDA Underscores Importance of Agricultural R&D at G20 Agricultural Chief Scientists Meeting, USDA

Dairy Processing Grows by More than $130 Billion in Impact, Brownfield

Ag to Benefit from Suspended Tariffs Under New EU & U.S. Deal, Brownfield

USDA to Begin Work to Strengthen Enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, USDA

Biotech Company Claims Genetic Selection Can Cut Methane Emissions in Cattle, Food Navigator

Discrimination Adds a Layer to Beginning Farmers’ Challenges, Farm and Dairy

NMPF Wants to See Dairies Exempt from FSMA Oversight, Brownfield

Biden Considers Giving Refiners Relief from U.S. Biofuel Laws, sources say, Reuters

Judge Pauses Loan Forgiveness Program for Farmers of Color, Associated Press

Nevada Joins List of States Mandating Cage-Free Eggs, Farm Progress

USDA to Begin Work to Strengthen Enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, USDA

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Written by: 
Audry Thompson—Research Assistant
Brook Duer—Staff Attorney