December 2025 | Swine Web
The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) reports two significant policy developments this week with direct implications for U.S. pork producers: progress on Clean Water Act permitting reform and growing concern in Congress over U.S. reliance on China for critical feed vitamins.
House Passes Bill to Reform Clean Water Act Permit Processes
What Happened
The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation aimed at reforming Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permitting processes under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The bill, titled the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today Act, now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Key provisions of the bill would:
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Codify that ephemeral features, groundwater, and prior-converted cropland are excluded from EPA jurisdiction under the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.
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Clarify that agricultural stormwater exemptions apply to all agricultural land, regardless of nutrient source (including manure) or use of subsurface drainage systems.
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Streamline and expedite the establishment and enforcement of water quality standards.
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Reduce delays in obtaining permits for activities that may affect water quality.
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Require EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address backlogs for Section 404 dredge-and-fill permits and jurisdictional determinations.
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Narrow the definition of “navigable waters.”
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Limit EPA’s authority to veto Section 404 permits after issuance.
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Extend permit review cycles for National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits from five to ten years.
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Impose a 60-day statute of limitations on lawsuits challenging permit approvals.
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Clarify permit compliance protections when pollutants are disclosed and regulated through approved permits.
NPPC’s Position
NPPC joined other livestock and poultry organizations in a June 24 letter supporting the permitting reforms.
Why It Matters
NPPC emphasized that pork producers need a predictable, efficient, and cost-effective permitting process that does not create unnecessary regulatory delays or administrative burdens. Improved permitting clarity supports conservation efforts, infrastructure projects, and environmentally beneficial investments across agriculture.
Lawmakers Warn of Overreliance on China for Vitamins
What Happened
Sixteen members of Congress sent a letter to President Trump warning of the United States’ growing dependence on China for critical vitamins essential to both human nutrition and animal agriculture.
China currently accounts for:
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More than 70% of global feed-grade vitamin A production
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62% of vitamin E production
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Approximately 78% of U.S. vitamin imports
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Nearly 100% of some vitamins, including folic acid
Lawmakers cautioned that disruptions in vitamin supply could negatively impact multiple livestock sectors, including swine, poultry, beef, dairy, aquaculture, and pet food.
NPPC’s Position
NPPC noted that vitamins are essential for optimizing swine health, productivity, and wellbeing. Due to limited domestic production, the U.S. pork industry relies heavily on Chinese manufacturing to meet volume demands.
NPPC Past President and Minnesota pork producer Lori Stevermer highlighted these concerns earlier this year during testimony before both the Senate and House Agriculture Committees. NPPC continues to work alongside the American Feed Industry Association and other stakeholders to urge action on strengthening domestic vitamin supply chains.
Why It Matters
Lawmakers warned that reliance on a single foreign source for essential nutrients presents a significant risk to U.S. food security, livestock productivity, and public health. Potential vitamin shortages could lead to reduced feed efficiency, compromised animal health, and lower protein output across livestock sectors.
About NPPC
The National Pork Producers Council is the global voice for the U.S. pork industry, representing more than 60,000 pork producers committed to animal care, environmental stewardship, public health protection, and providing safe, nutritious pork to consumers worldwide.
For more information, visit www.nppc.org
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