Nitrogen & Air Pollution
What is the central element in animal ag air pollution? The pivotal chemical element in animal ag air pollution is nitrogen (N). Nitrogen emissions are at the center of many of the most damaging environmental impacts of animal ag and the most critical issues of global health.[1] Excess nitrogen leads to nutrient pollution, commonly associated […]
Air Quality Takeaways
Air Quality Takeaways Takeaways are key points detailed and referenced in the Air Quality section Nitrogen, Air, and Animal Ag Animal ag air pollution is complex, likely underestimated, and poorly regulated, though it is one of the nation’s largest sources of environmental harm. Excess nitrogen spewed into the atmosphere is a form of nutrient pollution; […]
Worker Health & Safety Takeaways
Worker Health & Safety Takeaways Takeaways are key points detailed and referenced in the Health and Safety section Livestock and Poultry Slaughter & Processing Jobs Jobs in slaughter and processing are unusually hazardous, involving large animals, dangerous machinery, slippery floors, sharp knives, and exposure to chemicals, extreme temperatures, and high noise levels. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) […]
Manure Biogas Contradictions
KEY POINTS – Manure Biogas Contradictions 1. In attempting to mitigate GHG emissions from factory farms, manure biogas production supports, entrenches, and expands the industrial system that creates the emissions. 2. Large factory farms with thousands of animals typically adopt the cheapest manure management systems which create the most methane. 3. Subsidies for biodigesters tend […]
Manure Biogas Fundamentals
KEY POINTS – Manure Biogas Fundamentals 1. As of 2024 there were ~400 manure biogas digesters on commercial livestock operations in the country. 2. About 84% of digesters are on dairy farms, with ~140 dairy digesters in California. 3. About 21% of completed digesters have been shut down. 4. Manure digesters reduce some portion of the methane in manure […]
Animal Ag Water Pollution Sources
What are the main sources of nutrient pollution from animal ag? The primary sources of nitrogen and phosphorus are: Concentrated amounts of manure on factory farms. Excess use of chemical fertilizers on feed crops. Crop fixation of nitrogen by soybeans and alfalfa/hay. For estimated respective shares of pollution see, spreadsheet for animal ag’s contribution https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16vc25ZTFcsp-IBDewc6zXcN8aAAbTHRJa92lFaQ0wpw/edit?gid=0#gid=0 For a […]
Animal Ag GHG Emissions
What share of total U.S. GHG emissions comes from agriculture? The EPA reports that in 2023, agriculture was responsible for 10.5% of total U.S. anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.[1-3] This figure includes on-farm energy use.[4] EPA (2025) Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2023, EPA 430-R-25-003. p. ES-23. (Hereafter: “EPA (2025) Inventory GHG 2023”)[“Activities […]
Animal Ag’s Contributions to Water Pollution
What is the key takeaway regarding animal ag’s contributions to U.S. water pollution? Industrial animal agriculture is the primary contributor to the failing grades of U.S. waterways, responsible for about 50% of nutrient pollution – the leading cause of U.S. water pollution.[1] As noted in previous pages of this section: U.S. waterways have received failing grades […]
Agriculture’s Contributions to Water Pollution
Is agriculture the main source of U.S. water pollution? Yes. As noted on this page, U.S. agriculture is the primary source of nutrient pollution. As noted on previous pages, nutrient pollution is the primary driver of the pollution of U.S. waterways.[1,2] Federal agencies have occasionally stated that agriculture is the primary source of water pollution.[3] […]
Lakes, Rivers & Streams Pollution
How does the EPA evaluate the health of waterways? The EPA generates reports approximately every five years, separately assessing each of 4 categories of waterways. Known as the National Aquatic Resource Surveys (NARS), they cover: Lakes – published 2024 covering 2022.[1] Wetlands – published 2024 covering 2021.[2] Rivers & Streams – published 2023 covering 2018-2019.[3] Coastal Zones including […]