In an editorial on March 25, we argued that as long as proposed new feedlots in Goodhue and Winona counties meet all state and local regulations and fulfill all permitting requirements, then the “not in my backyard” argument” is no basis for denying the permit application.

But a proposal working its way through the Minnesota Legislature would potentially open the door for more, bigger livestock operations across the state, while limiting environmental and public review, which makes no sense at all.

Currently, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requires completion of an environmental assessment worksheet for any proposed feedlot that would contain 1,000 or more “animal units.” Senate File 1016 and House File 1456 are companion bills that would raise that number to 2,000.

To fully grasp what that means, it’s worth noting that the typical market-ready hog — about 250 pounds live weight — counts as .3 animal units. So, if this proposed change were approved, a hog operation in excess of 6,000 animals could be built without an environmental assessment worksheet.

According to critics, the legislation would affect only the largest of “factory farms” now operating — about 7 percent of current feedlots — but it would open to door to many more, accelerating the growth of large-scale corporate farms at the expense of family farm businesses.

Proponents of this “streamlined” permitting process argue that such assessments are costly, time-consuming and seldom reveal much new information. But the additional time needed for review is itself a beneficial brake-tapper to ensure that greatly expanded feedlot proposals are thoroughly vetted and as environmentally sound as possible, with neighbors having time to examine the proposal and voice their concerns.