EPA's plan could cost dairy farmers

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - U.S. Senator Charles Schumer wants to be sure farmers don't have to cry over spilled milk.

The EPA requires companies to have plans to deal with oil spills. That could cost farmers thousands of dollars. Farmers are covered under the rule because milk contains oil, which is an animal fat. But Senator Schumer says farms shouldn't be subjected to the same rules as Exxon-Mobil and BP.

Sen. Schumer said, “EPA is now considering removing this link and saying that milk is milk and oil is oil and there are no extra burdens on dairy farmers. We're urging them to do that and do it very quickly. It's an absurd proposal. These are the things that make people scratch their heads in wonderment and say, "What the heck is going on in Washington?"”

Schumer says if the EPA doesn't change the rule, he will introduce legislation to do it.