OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Congressman Adrian Smith is co-sponsoring a measure to stop the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s aerial surveillance of agriculture operations, which have taken place in Nebraska and neighboring states.

The measure is similar to one introduced in the Senate last week by Nebraska U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns.

Smith, a Republican representing Nebraska’s vast 3rd House District, says the EPA’s aerial surveillance program raises questions about the privacy and property rights of America’s agriculture producers.

The EPA has defended the 10-year practice as a cost-effective way for the agency to monitor animal feedlots that may be polluting water.