Jun. 07, 2022
Dear Special Counsel Staffin, We are a small family farm with a small herd of goats and a small herd of cattle, 4 horses, chickens, dog and cats. We have to already work off the farm to help support this way of life. For this rule to be handed down to us would place an undue hardship on our already stretched time and wallets. As a farmer, I support stewardship of our natural resources, and work hard to leave our land and water in better shape for future generations. Agriculture has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 24% since 1990, while also increasing production to feed, clothe and fuel an ever-growing population. I am concerned about new requirements that could be forced upon my operation from publicly traded companies who will be affected by the proposed rule. Recording every drop of fuel, pound of feed and gallon of propane used at each step on the farm will be wildly expensive and burdensome for any farmer to comply with, especially for small family farmers. I am also worried that the proposed rule will be incredibly invasive, forcing farmers like me to hand data over to the SEC that would tell it nearly every single detail about my business. We in agriculture are committed to producing more while using fewer inputs. The best way to achieve this goal is a continuation of voluntary, market-driven approaches, not heavy-handed government mandates such as this proposed rule. To avoid harm to my industry and increased supply chain volatility, I urge the SEC to immediately halt this development of this rule. Sincerely, RODNEY JOHNSON