Congress is working on their fourth pandemic aid package and they have an incredible opportunity to advance food justice by making online grocery ordering and delivery available for all people regardless of income and proximity to…
Read MoreCAFO Update: New Permit Approved
Amidst COVID-19 outbreaks throughout our food system and meat processing plant closures, the Department of Natural Resources is still permitting new CAFOs in our state. On July 7, 2020, the Department of Natural Resources’ Water Protection Program (DNR WPP) issued a General State Operating Permit to Tompkins Family Farms, LLC. The newly-permitted facility will be…
Read MoreComment Letter Template for Proposed Rules
Download this in PDF form, here. The following template outlines a formal comment letter for a proposed federal rule. Bracketed sections should be personalized with information specific to your comment. Sections in parenthesis are optional but may be included if they are helpful and relevant. Sections in italics are meant to guide you and…
Read MoreComment Letter Template for CAFO Permits
Download this in PDF form, here. The following template outlines a formal comment letter for a CAFO permit. Bracketed sections should be personalized with information specific to your comment. Sections in parenthesis are optional but may be included if they are helpful and relevant. Sections in italics are meant to guide you and should…
Read MoreWriting Public Comments
Download this in PDF form, here. Commenting on Permits Government agencies evaluate permit applications and make regulations. As part of the evaluation process, government agencies often seek public input through holding “public comment periods.” A public comment period is a length of time during which a government agency will accept feedback and input from…
Read MoreFreedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request Template
Download this in PDF form, here. Below you will see a FOIA request template that we often modify and use at MCE. This is a pretty formal request template: you may choose to utilize an electronic FOIA request form or use a simpler template like the one provided in Part 2: Accessing Public Records…
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