Idaho Field Burning

 

Until recently there was a provision in federal law that allowed some age-old polluting practices to continue in Western states, including burning crop residue and timber slash piles. Photo: web.engr.oregonstate.edu.

A January ruling by the Idaho 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ended the longtime practice of burning crop residue on fields outside Indian reservations in the state. Clean air advocates successfully sued to stop the practice, contending smoke from burning grass fields violated the federal Clean Air Act and harmed the health of people with breathing problems. Without the use of fire to clean fields and spur new growth of perennial bluegrass plants, growers said they will have to resort to expensive fertilizers and labor-intensive tilling. The state has until April 30 to petition for a new hearing.

Source: www.jacksonholestartrib.com.