Clean Air Agency Board Meeting Got A Little Heated

A regional Clean Air Agency board meeting got a little heated Thursday. At the center of conversation, a proposed policy change for local dairy farmers that recommends best management practices.

The policy was part of a study that was done to find ways the industry can cut down on emissions. People had complained about the way dairy farms affected air quality. The study made some suggestions, but local environment groups say they weren't asked to weigh in. And part of the study was paid for by the dairy industry itself.

"How could you be fair on deciding on public health when you have an industry supporting the actual score card. So we showed up because we would like citizens represented and we know many people are suffering because of air quality," said Jan Whitefoot, who opposes the study.

There was no action taken today on the policy. The clean air agency says it's not unusual to get money from regulated groups for these studies. Fifteen dairy farms participated in the study.