Supreme Court of Missouri / Jun 16, 2020
In re Trenton Farms RE, LLC, Permit No. MO; Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri Clean Water Commission, Respondents, vs. Hickory Neighbors United, Inc., Appellant.
Hickory Neighbors United, Inc. appealed a Clean Water Commission decision affirming a permit for Trenton Farms RE, LLC to establish a swine concentrated animal feeding operation. Hickory Neighbors challenged the constitutionality of House Bill No. 1713, which altered the Clean Water Commission's membership criteria, and argued there was insufficient evidence that the CAFO's manure containment structures would be protected from a 100-year flood. The Supreme Court of Missouri affirmed the Commission's decision, holding that HB 1713 did not violate the Missouri Constitution's original purpose, single subject, or clear title requirements, and that sufficient evidence supported the CAFO's flood protection.