Bion Anticipates Improved Post-Election Opportunities for Market-Driven Environmental Solutions

NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2016

Craig Scott, Bion's director of communications, stated, "Since the election, a number of Bion shareholders have expressed concerns about President-elect Trump's commitment to the environment and its potential impact on Bion. We believe that a Republican mandate focused on cost-effective spending will actually favor Bion and other companies that provide market-driven solutions. And while we do expect the election results to impact us in a positive way, both nationally and in Pennsylvania, it is even more important to note that we believe other forces, such as consumer demand for improved sustainability and the value of byproducts, will enable certain large-scale projects, like the proposed project for Kreider Farms poultry operations, to advance while policy change is being implemented."

-      During the campaign, Mr. Trump called for dismantling the EPA; however, he began saying in September that he'll "refocus the EPA on its core mission of ensuring clean air, and clean, safe drinking water for all Americans." Rollbacks promised by the Trump Admin are mostly targeted at energy-related regulations, including the Clean Power Plan and the Climate Action Plan, as well as the Waters of the U.S. rule, which will have a minimal (if any) impact on Bion. Trump also stated, "Our energy policy will make full use of our domestic energy sources, including traditional and renewable energy sources".

We are confident that excess nutrients that fuel toxic algae blooms, dead zones and declining overall water quality in our major watersheds, and that are driving escalating clean water costs, will continue to be a top priority at federal, state and local levels.

-      The incoming administration is committed to reducing the "scale and cost of government" and views private sector participation and competition favorably. Harnessing market forces and engaging the private sector to drive down costs, which the competitive bidding program supported by Bion and much of the livestock industry will accomplish, are consistent with a Republican agenda.

We agree with Pennsylvania's bipartisan Legislative Budget and Finance Committee study that determined the adoption of manure technologies can reduce the cost of clean water mandates by up to 80%. We believe the ability to deliver substantially reduced costs, while enabling growth and creating jobs in rural America, will resonate very powerfully with the incoming administration.

-      In the Pennsylvania Assembly, Republicans increased their majority in both the House and Senate. Legislation to implement a competitive procurement program to reduce Chesapeake Bay compliance costs was introduced in both chambers by Republicans.