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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement of an "endangerment" finding of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon dioxide could negatively impact farmers and ranchers in the future.

"It’s too early to make a decision on the proposed regulations," said Adrian Schulze of Blanco County Farm Bureau. "The public is concerned with whether the original global warming facts are valid. Before any change is made, the facts need to be set straight."

While the EPA has good intentions, consideration of the agricultural community is an important aspect when discussing the future. Strict regulations could hurt farmers and ranchers, forcing expenses higher. According to the USDA, under a cap and trade program, some sectors of livestock production would be reduced by double digits by 2050.

"Because we rely on farming and ranching as our source of income, we believe that any sort of climate regulation needs to be brought through legislation," said Schulze. "However, we must ensure that legislation benefits the climate rather than the politician."