The Nebraska senator's measure would stop the EPA from drone fly-bys over ag operations.
(AP) _
U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns has introduced a measure to stop the federal Environmental Protection Agency's aerial surveillance of agriculture operations, which have taken place in Nebraska and neighboring states.
Johanns, a Nebraska Republican, says he introduced the measure as an amendment to the federal farm bill after the EPA failed to provide comprehensive answers about the program's use. Johanns says farmers and rancher don't trust the EPA's surveillance flights over their farm operations.
The EPA has defended the 10-year practice as a cost-effective way for the agency to monitor animal feedlots that may be polluting water.
