Robbins: Senate Passes Legislation to Benefit Farmers, Communities

Harrisburg -- The Senate today passed bipartisan legislation that will help farmers and townships resolve disputes over local ordinances without the cost of going to court, said Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) who supported the measure.

House Bill 1646 was sent to the governor to be signed into law.

In recent years many townships have imposed ordinances that greatly restrict the ability to farm, said Robbins. While farmers believed the ordinances were illegal, the cost to challenge them in court was more than they could afford.

"House Bill 1646 was the product of negotiations between the farming community and townships. The measure preserves the right to farm -- a source of income and pride for Pennsylvania farm families for generations – while allowing townships to plan for growth and development," said Robbins.

The bill would let the state Attorney General's Office decide which local ordinance disputes between farmers and townships were serious enough to be challenged in court, reducing the amount of farm litigation that costs taxpayers and farmers so much.

To preserve the quality of life for neighbors of farms, the measure also requires all new or expanded concentrated animal feeding operations to develop an odor management plan. It would also prohibit the spreading of manure within 100 feet of surface water, unless a 35-foot vegetative buffer is established.

"I joined with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, the Pennsylvania Grange, the Township Supervisors Association and many other groups in supporting this legislation. It's good for farm families and good for local governments," said Robbins.

CONTACT: Mike Hengst (717) 787-1322