News Update
Feb. 15, 2010

NCBA Files Petition for Reconsideration and Stay of EPA’s Endangerment Finding

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is petitioning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider its finding that human-caused greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are an endangerment to public health and welfare (“endangerment finding”). The petition, filed Feb. 11 by NCBA and other members of the Coalition for Responsible Regulation, is based upon information uncovered during the recent “climategate” scandal, which seriously calls into question the scientific validity behind EPA’s finding.

“It’s become evident that EPA’s endangerment finding may be based on flawed data,” said Tamara Thies, NCBA chief environmental counsel. “The fact that EPA did not choose to reconsider its finding after the extent of the climategate scandal was revealed publicly is perplexing to say the least; ignoring climategate will not make it go away.”

Since “climategate” wasn’t exposed until after the public comment period of the endangerment proposed rule had expired, NCBA and the Coalition are calling on EPA to convene a proceeding for reconsideration, and stay any further

regulatory actions or rulemakings based upon the finding until the reconsideration is completed.
“EPA owes it to the American people to be sure a rule of this magnitude is based on accurate information, not fudged or fabricated temperature data,” Thies continued. “Not only is the data questionable, but EPA also unlawfully sub-delegated its duties under the Clean Air Act to foreign entities with the clear agenda of promoting the theory of human-caused climate change. It is not lawful for EPA’s ‘scientific judgment’ to be based on foreign alarmist agendas. Reconsideration of this rule is essential to restoring America’s trust on this issue.”

The petition asks EPA to convene a proceeding for reconsideration to thoroughly reevaluate EPA’s heavy reliance upon the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, which have been called into fundamental question. As part of this proceeding, the petition asks that EPA prepare a complete and objective record for the reconsideration proceeding which contains all the relevant scientific data, studies, and viewpoints and is cleansed of questionable or one-sided data; obtain and fully disclose all computer programs, data and algorithms used to “homogenize” all temperature records upon which EPA relies; subject the temperature records and programs to an independent review by qualified and objective scientists and statisticians; and determine whether or not there is any statistically valid demonstration of unprecedented global warming over the last century.

Finally, NCBA and the petitioners are requesting a stay in any further regulatory actions or rulemakings which are based upon the endangerment finding until these fundamental requirements of sound science, legal due process, and valid administrative rulemakings are completed.

“Given the recent revelations which seriously call into question the science, legality, and administrative procedures behind EPA’s finding, it would be irresponsible to move forward with this type of regulation — especially given the devastating impacts it would impose on the U.S. economy,” Thies said.

The petition was signed by NCBA; the Coalition for Responsible Regulation Inc.; Industrial Minerals Association–North America; Great Northern Project Development L.P.; Rosebud Mining Co.; Massey Energy Co.; and Alpha Natural Resources Inc.

The full petition can be found at: www.beefusa.org/uDocs/Petition-for-Reconsideration.pdf.

— Release by NCBA.

Heifer Donated for Texas Junior Angus Association

A large crowd gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Fort Worth for the annual Texas Angus Association banquet. On tap was the sale of MJB Traveler Lady 398 8792 1, a daughter of Traveler 6807 donated by MJB Ranch of Weatherford, Texas. This donation was made to begin a fund to be used to award scholarships to the top finishers at the Fort Worth Junior Angus Show beginning in 2011. Only members of the Texas Junior Angus Association (TJAA) will be eligible for these scholarships.

The initial donation by MJB of the heifer was further enhanced by the care, feeding and presentation of the heifer by Salt Creek Ranch of Memphis, Texas. In addition, ABS Global donated a semen package, Trans Ova Genetics donated a reproductive package, Great American Insurance donated an insurance package with Lathrop Livestock donating transportation. 

At the Friday evening festivities a group of 17 Angus breeders from Texas each contributed $500 to purchase the heifer for $8,500. The group then donated the heifer back for resale and she was purchased a second time for $5,500 by Lyn Lesikar, Lesikar Ranch. All total, $14,000 was accumulated to begin the scholarship fund.

“We really appreciate everything the Texas Angus Association has done and want to express our thanks to MJB Ranch who donated the heifer and to everyone who worked together to purchase the heifer package,” said TJAA president Megan Ahearn. “The Fort Worth Junior heifer show is the largest single-breed heifer show in the state and we think that the scholarships which will be awarded to the top finishers in the 2011 show who are Texas Junior Angus Association members will honor this legendary event, and showcase what an accomplishment it is to be in one of the top spots at this great show,” she concluded.

For more information visit the TJAA web site at www.texasjuniorangus.com.

— Release by Texas Angus Association. 

New Iowa Beef Center Director has Big ‘Boots’ to Fill

After these first few days in his new role, Dan Loy still believes he has big shoes to fill, but he is ready to face the challenges that come with the position.

Loy, an Iowa State University (ISU) Extension beef specialist for more than two decades, was recently appointed interim director of the Iowa Beef Center. Loy assumed his new position on Feb. 1, when Center Director John Lawrence became the associate dean of Extension and outreach for ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

“It is truly an honor to fill this important role. The Iowa Beef Center has gained a national reputation through the leadership of John Lawrence, the quality programs and people that carry on the Center’s mission,” Loy said. “These will be big shoes — ‘boots’ — to fill, and there will be challenges to meet, but ISU will continue to be a national leader in research and Extension information for the beef industry.”

Loy joined ISU 27 years ago after receiving a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University in 1978 and a doctorate in 1982 from Pennsylvania (Penn) State University. During his time at ISU, Loy has won several awards, including five ISU Extension awards. 

In his new role, Loy will coordinate the efforts of ISU Extension campus and field beef program specialists who serve the Iowa Beef Center.

As Loy transitions into his new position, the Center is experiencing other changes that include a reduction in staff numbers as a result of recent retirements. Loy is facing these changes with confidence that the Center will continue to serve the needs of Iowa’s cattle producers. He is looking forward to exploring new opportunities to meet the organization’s goals.

“As the Extension arm of Iowa State University to the beef industry, our mission is to be the number one source for all things beef. That will not change,” Loy said. “The current budget reality at the university has reduced staff and other resources. We will continue to provide high quality information to the industry, but will undoubtedly rely more on technology, such as distance education methods, and outside funding sources for targeted programs to beef farm families. The Iowa Beef Center will remain a national and international resource for beef information.”

For more information about the Iowa Beef Center, visit www.iowabeefcenter.org.

— Release by ISU Extension.

Stockmen’s Foundation Offers Two Collegiate Scholarships

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Foundation (NDSF) is offering two $500 scholarships to college sophomores attending an accredited North Dakota college or university. Among other criteria, applicants must be North Dakota students who are enrolled in a beef-related field of study, including but not limited to animal or range science, agricultural economics, agricultural communications or veterinary medicine.

Application forms and scholarship details are available on the redesigned www.ndstockmen.org or by calling the NDSF at 701-223-2522. The application deadline is March 31.

Scholarships will be awarded during the NDSA’s Annual Convention & Trade Show set for Sept. 23-25, 2010, in Minot, N.D.

The NDSF was designed to assist with beef-related research, education, leadership and building objectives. To make a tax-deductible donation, call 701-223-2522 or visit www.ndstockmen.org.

— Release by NDSF.

— Compiled by Mathew Elliott, assistant editor, Angus Productions Inc.