On March 23, 2017, lawmakers in Raleigh filed House Bill 467 to severely limit the amount that people polluted by hog and poultry waste can seek in damages from livestock corporations. Though it would no longer apply to pending litigation, this bill still takes power away from the courts and places it in the hands of legislators who have been bought and sold by the livestock industries. Residents argue that Smithfield has targeted communities of color and low-income communities, and they should have the right to seek compensation for ALL of their suffering—economic, mental, physical, and spiritual.
On March 29, activists came to the state capitol to speak truth to power. But we can only win this fight if you’re involved as well. If you live in North Carolina, call Governor Roy Cooper at (919) 814-2000, tell him that you support the communities polluted by hog and poultry waste, and to veto HB 467.