Animal Welfare: U.S. Solicitor General Argues Proposition 12 is Unconstitutional
On June 17, 2022, the U.S. Solicitor General filed an Amicus Curiae Brief in the case of National Pork Producers Council, et al. v. Ross, et al., No 21-468, currently pending before the U.S. Supreme Court setting forth the position of the United States government that the State of California’s Proposition 12 animal confinement law made applicable to out-of-state production of pork products sold in California violates the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution. On June 14, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court set oral argument in the case for October 11, 2022.

International Trade: Ocean Shipping Reform Act Enacted
On June 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022  (P.L. 117-146).  The bill is intended to improve conditions at U.S. ports where “vessel-operating common carriers” (VOCC) have prohibitively increased prices and engaged in other practices which have prevented the shipment of U.S. agricultural goods primarily due to high demand to transport empty containers back to Chinese ports.  The Federal Maritime Commission is given expanded regulatory authority to regulate a VOCC’s pricing and practices in U.S. ports and provides multiple deadlines for the Commission to publish various proposed regulations, including those to address the empty container problem.

Avian Influenza: Commercial Poultry HPAI Detection Totals
As of June 28, 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)’s HPAI 2022 Confirmed Detections database confirmed a total of 377 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detections in 36 states (186 commercial flocks and 191 backyard flocks), resulting in 40.09 million birds depopulated.

  • Nationally, new commercial poultry premise detections have decreased from a high of 45 during the first week of April to 3 detections in the month of June thus far.
  • Pennsylvania’s last commercial premise detection was on June 2nd. According to a Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Health update on June 27th, all Control Zones in Pennsylvania except one are scheduled to be released by July 6, 2022.
  • Between April 15 through June 28, 2022, USDA APHIS confirmed17 HPAI infected commercial poultry premise/flocks in Pennsylvania, totaling 4,224,700 birds depopulated. 8 infected premises are in Lancaster County, totaling 3,767,300 layers, 68,400 broilers, and 19,300 ducks. 9 infected premises are in neighboring Berks County, totaling 162,400 layers, and 207,000 ducks.

Packers and Stockyards Act: USDA Proposes Revised Poultry Grower Regulations and Solicits Input on Tournament System Generally
On June 8, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (USDA-AMS) published a proposed rule titled Transparency in Poultry Grower Contracting and Tournaments (87 F.R. 34980) proposing revisions to Packers and Stockyards Act regulations in two broadly-defined ways: (a) “revise the list of disclosures and information live poultry dealers must furnish to poultry growers and sellers with whom dealers make poultry growing arrangements” and (b) “establish additional disclosure requirements in connection with the use of poultry grower ranking systems by live poultry dealers to determine settlement payments for poultry growers.” The public comment period closes on August 8, 2022. Simultaneously on June 8, 2022, USDA-AMS also published an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled Poultry Growing Tournament Systems: Fairness and Related Concerns (87 F.R. 34814) which solicits public comment until September 6, 2022 on “the use of poultry grower ranking systems commonly known as tournaments in contract poultry production.”

Food Safety:  $200 Million for Specialty Crop Producers’ Expense Reimbursement
On June 17, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture announced that its new Food Safety Certification for Specialty Crops (FSCSC) program would make available to specialty crop producers $200 million in reimbursement for a defined percentage of eligible expenses incurred in obtaining food safety certificates in 2022 and 2023.

Water Quality: Maryland’s Highest Court to Decide if NPDES Discharge Permit Must Control Gaseous Ammonia Emissions
On June 3, 2022, the Court of Appeals of Maryland granted an appeal from the March 11, 2021, decision of the Montgomery County Circuit Court holding, in pertinent part, that in issuing an NPDES general discharge permit for an animal feeding operation under the Clean Water Act and Maryland’s state water pollution laws the Maryland Department of the Environment is required to include controls for gaseous ammonia emissions.  A stay of the lower court ruling was issued on July 12, 2021. Assateague Coastal Trust v. Maryland Department of the Environment, No. 11, September Term 2022.  The parties are to conclude briefing in August and oral argument will be held in October 2022.  

Biofuels: Pennsylvania Suspends 2% On-Road Biodiesel Mandate
On June 17, 2022, by letter from Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding to  Governor Tom Wolf, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania issued a partial and temporary suspension of the 2% biodiesel mandate for all on-road diesel fuel required by section 3(a)(1) of the Biofuel Development and In-State Production Incentive Act (Act), 73 P.S. § 1650.3(a)(1), effective June 27, 2022, until July 26, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. The suspension does not apply to in-state wholesale terminals and provides enforcement guidance for retailers regarding existing stocks.  The suspension is based upon “substantially increased costs to consumers or insufficient quantity or distribution of biodiesel.”

Dairy Policy: Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board Petitioned to Consider Alternatives to Current Over-Order Premium
On May 27, 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) filed a petition with the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board (PMMB) requesting a hearing on “alternatives to the Over-Order Premium (OOP) as currently imposed and administered” to be held before the Board next considers the level and duration of the OOP in effect until its expiration on September 30, 2022.  This petition acts as a follow-up to issues raised at the March 2, 2022, public hearing on the level and duration of the OOP during which testimony and evidence pertaining to alternatives to the current distribution and administration of the OOP was excluded from consideration by Board Order.  No hearing has yet been scheduled on PDA’s petition.

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PROGRAMS & RESOURCES

Agricultural Law Podcasts

  1. SCOTUS Update: Sackett v. EPA (June 28, 2022).
  2. SCOTUS Update: National Pork Producers Council v. Ross (June 23, 2022).
  3. New HPAI cases nearly zero and Renewable Fuel Standards volume set (June 15, 2022).

Top #AgLaw HotLinks June 13 – 17, 2022:

U.S. Supreme Court takes no action on Bayer bid to nix weedkiller suits, Reuters

Ag Groups File SCOTUS Brief on Prop 12, DTN Progressive Farmer

Colorado infections push HPAI losses above 40 million birds, Ferns Ag Insider

Panel debates WHO’s food safety strategy, Food Safety Network

U.S. House To Vote On Lower Food And Fuel Cost Act Thursday Evening, Brownfield

Events:

Webinars: Understanding Agricultural Law. A free monthly webinar series via ZOOM for general practice attorneys and business advisors of all kinds representing agricultural and rural clients. One hour of substantive CLE credit available for Pennsylvania licensed attorneys at no charge. Recordings and materials of prior webinars in the series:

Webinars: Legal Planning for Specialty Crop Producers. A free periodic webinar series via ZOOM. Register at any time to watch recordings of past, and attend all future, sessions, as well as receive the webinar materials. Prior webinars in the series:

Webinars: Dairy Quarterly Legal Webinar. A free quarterly webinar series via ZOOM covering legal and regulatory developments in the U.S. dairy industry from the preceding quarter, plus an in-depth look at a single focus topic of law, regulation, or government policy of interest to dairy professionals. One hour of substantive CLE credit available for Pennsylvania licensed attorneys at no charge. More info and registration.

  • Upcoming:
  • July 26, 2022, noon ET.2nd Quarter of 2022In addition to a round-up of quarterly legal developments, the focus topic will be labeling of plant-based foods and beverages being manufactured and sold as substitutes for milk and dairy.
  • October 25, 2022, noon ET. 3rdQuarter of 2022In addition to a round-up of quarterly legal developments, the focus topic will be the upcoming 2023 Farm Bill and the potential implications for the dairy industry.

PennState Extension Webinar: Estate Planning with Solar Leases, July 26, 2022, noon ET, Register.

Agricultural Law & Policy Resources of Interest:  

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., Procedures: Motions, Samantha Mikolajczyk (June 16, 2022).

Nat’l Agric. Law Ctr., Fifth Circuit Rules SEC Administrative Proceedings Unconstitutional, Brigit Rollins (June 14, 2022).

Agric. Law & Tax’n Blog, Ag Law-Related Updates: Dog Food Scam; Oil and Gas Issues, Roger A. McEowen (June 16, 2022).

Univ. Md. Risk Mgmt. Educ. Blog, Minimum Wage Rates for Youth Workers, Megan Todd (June 15, 2022).

Ohio St. Univ. Ext. Farm Off. Blog, Farm Succession Planning with Second Marriages, Robert Moore (June 16, 2022).

Tex. A&M Agric. Law Blog, Case Offers Reminder: Property Can Be Landlocked in Texas, Tiffany Dowell Lashmet (June 13, 2022).

Iowa St. Univ. Ctr. Agric. Law & Tax’n, Many Producers with 2020 or 2021 Disaster Losses Eligible for ERP, Kristine A. Tidgren (June 14, 2022).

Southern Ag Today, The Economic Costs of Canadian Dairy Quota Restrictions Under USMCA, K. Aleks Schaefer, (June 16, 2022)

Southern Ag Today, How Right-to-Farm Laws Operate to Protect Ag Practices Used by Producers, Paul Goeringer (June 17, 2022)

PA Farm Link, Court Decision Splitting Up Family Farm Reversed: When Farm Succession Planning Fails (June 13, 2022).

Hoard’s Dairyman, Just 61 percent of milk moved through orders, Corey Geiger (June 13, 2022).  Related: USDA AMS, Measures of Growth in Federal Orders (May 18, 2022).

DairyLivestream webinar, Let’s talk Federal Order fixes, guests include Mark Stephenson and Andy Novakovic (recorded June 15, 2022).

Progressive Farmer, Nearly All Deere Repair Cases Combined, Todd Neeley (June 14, 2022).

Progressive Farmer, Beyond Meat Hit With Another Lawsuit, Victoria Myers (June 13, 2022).

Progressive Farmer, EPA Finalizes Neonics Bio Evaluation, Todd Neeley (June 16, 2022).

Progressive Farmer, Court Rejects EPA Glyphosate Analysis, Chris Clayton (June 17, 2022).

Progressive Farmer, SCOTUS to Hear Sackett Arguments Oct. 3, Todd Neeley (June 17, 2022).

WeConservePA, 2021 Pennsylvania Land Trust Census Report (June 2022).

Chester County Conservation District video series, The Basics of Agricultural Conservation: In the Field and Around the Barn (June 7, 2022).

Penn State News, Research & Resources:

PSU Ext., 2022 Disease Update: Prevent Bitter Rot on Apple (June 15, 2022).

PSU Ext., Help Us Find Tar Spot of Corn Across Pennsylvania (June 14, 2022).

PSU Ext., Be On The Lookout For Damage From True Armyworm (June 14, 2022).

Plant pathology grad student receives NSF fellowship to study grapevine disease (June 13, 2022).

Agriculture-Related Legislative Hearings & Reports:

U.S. House Ag. Comm., The Future of Digital Asset Regulation, June 23, 2022.

U.S. House Ag. Comm., A 2022 Review of the Farm Bill: Dairy Provisions, June 22, 2022.

Pennsylvania Farm/Food Employers’ Listserv (PFEL) is a human resources networking group exclusively for farm and food employers. Subscribe by email with “subscribe” in the subject line to [email protected].

________________________________________________________________________

FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE

U.S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) PRESS RELEASES

USDA Announces Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers (June 17, 2022).

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Recognizing National Pollinator Week (June 17, 2022).

USDA will Partner with Ukraine to Strengthen Agricultural Collaboration and Fight Global Food Insecurity (June 16, 2022).

USDA Deputy Secretary Bronaugh to Lead United Kingdom Trade Mission (June 15, 2022).

USDA Selects 2022 Class of E. Kika De La Garza Fellows (June 15, 2022).

Nominations Now Open for the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (June 14, 2022).

USDA Strengthens Partnerships with 1890s Universities (June 14, 2022).

USDA Announces Approval of D-SNAP for New Mexico Disaster Areas (June 13, 2022).

USDA AGENCY PRESS RELEASES:

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

USDA Announces Partnership with the Port of Houston and Expansion of Partnership with Northwest Seaport Alliance to Ease Port Congestion and Restore Disrupted Shipping Services to U.S. Grown Agricultural Commodities (June 16, 2022).

USDA Announces Massachusetts Signs Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (June 15, 2022).

USDA Extends Deadline for Comments on its “Access to Fertilizer: Competition and Supply Chain Concerns” Federal Register Notice to July 15, 2022, to Enable Additional Comments on Capacity Expansion Strategies (June 14, 2022).

Agricultural Research Service (ARS)

Distinguished Nutrition Scientist Alice H. Lichtenstein Presents 2022 ARS Atwater Memorial Lecture (June 15, 2022).

Viral Tag Team Stymied by New Corn Germplasm (June 14, 2022).

Scientist Evaluates Dietary Food Patterns for Healthy Adults Eating Dairy-Free Vegetarian or Vegan Diets (June 13, 2022).

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) 

APHIS Announces Open Period for 2022 Funding Opportunities Supporting Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Activities (June 16, 2022).

USDA Launches ‘Protect Our Pigs’ Campaign to Support the Pork Industry, Pig Owners, Veterinarians in the Fight Against African Swine Fever (June 15, 2022).

APHIS Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Changes for Revising Pest Regulation Lists (June 13, 2022).

USDA Seeks Suggestions for Fiscal Year 2023 Plant Protection Act Section 7721 and National Clean Plant Network Program Projects (June 13, 2022).

Farm Service Agency (FSA)

USDA Announces Assistance for On-Farm Food Safety Expenses for Specialty Crop Growers (June 17, 2022).

USDA Reminds Producers to File Crop Acreage Reports (June 16, 2022).

Farm Service Agency Now Accepting Nominations for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on Local County Committees (June 15, 2022).

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)

Export Sales to Costa Rica and Unknown Destinations (June 17, 2022).

Ukraine Agricultural Production and Trade (June 16, 2022).

Export Sale Cancellation for Unknown Destinations (June 15, 2022).

Export Sales to Mexico (June 14, 2022).

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

USDA NIFA Projects Producing Stronger, Healthier Produce (June 14, 2022).

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

USDA Receives Overwhelming Interest for Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities Opportunity (June 16, 2022).

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Federal Register  May 16–20, 2022):            

Agricultural Marketing Service

87 FR 36412 Proposed Rule—Comment Period: “California and Imported Kiwifruit; Handling Regulations” (June 17, 2022).

87 FR 36211 Rule: “Amendments to the Marketing Order of Grapes Grown in Southeastern California” (June 16, 2022).

87 FR 35956 Notice—Comment Period: “Access to Fertilizer: Competition and Supply Chain Concerns” (June 14, 2022).

87 FR 35956 Notice: “2022/2023 Rates Charged for AMS Services” (June 14, 2022).

Agriculture Department     

87 FR 36450 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Reinstatement and Revision of a Previously Approved Information Collection [United States Warehouse Act (USWA).]” (June 17, 2022).

87 FR 36102 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Agriculture Organisms and Vectors; Import and Transport Permits.]” (June 15, 2022).

87 FR 35719 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [ARS Animal Health National Program Assessment Survey Form.]” (June 13, 2022).

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

87 FR 35904 Proposed Rule—Comment Period: “Domestic Quarantine Regulations; Quarantined Areas and Regulated Articles” (June 14, 2022).

Environmental Protection Agency

87 FR 36438 Proposed Rule—Comment Period: “Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of a Pesticide Chemical in or on Various Commodities” (June 17, 2022).

87 FR 36489 Notice: “Notice of Funding Availability for Credit Assistance Under WIFIA Program” (June 17, 2022).

87 FR 36063 Rule—Comment Period: “5-Decyne-4,7-Diol, 2,4,7,9-Tetramethyl- and 6-Dodecyne-5,8-Diol, 2,5,8,11-Tetramethyl-; Exemption From the Requirement of a Tolerance” (June 15, 2022).

87 FR 36068 Rule—Comment Period: “IN-11669: Cellulose, Ethyl 2-Hydroxyethyl Ether; Tolerance Exemption” (June 15, 2022).

87 FR 36071 Rule—Comment Period: “Thiamethoxam; Pesticide Tolerances” (June 15, 2022).

Food and Drug Administration

87 FR 36426 Notice: “Natural Resources Defense Council, et al.; Denial of Food Additive Petition; Denial Without Prejudice of Food Additive Petition; Correction” (June 17, 2022).

87 FR 36332 Notice: “Ortho-phthalates for Food Contact Use; Request for Information” (June 16, 2022).

87 FR 36133 Notice—Comment Period: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food” (June 15, 2022).

87 FR 35789 Notice—Comment Period: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Comment Request; Food Labeling: Notification Procedures for Statements on Dietary Supplements” (June 13, 2022).

Food and Nutrition Service

87 FR 35855 Notice: “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program: Civil Rights Update to the Federal-State Agreement” (June 14, 2022).

87 FR 35962 Notice: “The Emergency Food Assistance Program; Availability of Foods for Fiscal Year 2022” (June 14, 2022).

Food Safety and Inspection Service

87 FR 35720 Notice—Comment Period: “Siluriformes Fish Salmonella Sampling” (June 13, 2022).

Forest Service

87 FR 35964 Notice: “Sierra and Sequoia National Forests; Revision of the Land Management Plan for the Sierra and Sequoia National Forests” (June 14, 2022).

87 FR 35722 Notice: “Huron-Manistee Resource Advisory Committee” (June 13, 2022).

International Trade Administration

87 FR 35738 Notice: “Citric Acid and Certain Citrate Salts From Belgium: Notice of Initiation and Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Changed Circumstances Review” (June 13, 2022).

National Resource Conservation Service

87 FR 36451 Notice—Comment Period: “Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Central Oregon Irrigation District Pilot Butte Canal Infrastructure Modernization Project, Deschutes County, Oregon” (June 17, 2022).

Rural Utilities Service

87 FR 36453 Notice—Comment Period: “Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection” (June 17, 2022).

87 FR 36454 Notice—Comment Period: “Notice of Request for Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection” (June 17, 2022).

U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE:

H.R.8109 “To establish the Tribal Cultural Areas System, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (June 16, 2022).

H.R.8108 “To protect Native cultural sites located on Federal land, to improve consultation with Indian Tribes, to bring parity to Indian Tribes with regard to Federal public land management laws, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (June 16, 2022).

H.R.7606 “Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2022” Rule H. Res. 1170 passed House. (June 16, 2022).

H.R.8091 “To restore employment and educational opportunities in, and improve the economic stability of, counties containing National Forest System land, while also reducing Forest Service management costs, by ensuring that such counties have a dependable source of revenue from timber sales conducted on National Forest System land, to reduce payments under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000 to reflect such counties receipt of timber sale revenues, to strengthen stewardship end result contracting, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (June 15, 2022).

H.R.8085 “To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a grant program to remove nonnative plant species that contribute to drought conditions, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (June 15, 2022).

H.R.8084 “To amend the Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Act to allow additional flood prevention measures on certain lands, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (June 15, 2022).

H.R.8069 “To reduce farm input costs and barriers to domestic production, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure, Financial Services, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (June 15, 2022).

H.R.7675 “To amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish an Agricultural and Food System Supply Chain Resilience and Crisis Response Task Force, and for other purposes.” Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 283. (June 15, 2022).

H.Res.1179 “Recognizing and promoting the role of demonstration farm networks in expanding the adoption of conservation farming practices that improve the health of watersheds and agricultural lands.” Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (June 15, 2022).

H.R.4140 “Butcher Block Act” Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 279. (June 14, 2022).

H.R.4140 “Butcher Block Act” Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 279. (June 14, 2022).

H.R.8035 “Fire Department Repayment Act of 2022” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Armed Services, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (June 13, 2022).

H.R.8035 “To require the standardization of reciprocal fire suppression cost share agreements, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Armed Services, and Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. (June 13, 2022).

U.S. SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE, NUTRITION, AND FORESTRY:

No new actions June 13 – 16, 2022.

STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE 

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PRESS RELEASES:           

Pennsylvania Continues To Lead Nation, Investing $8.2 Million To Protect 32 Farms In 18 Counties From Future Development (June 16, 2022).

PENNSYLVANIA EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 52, No. 22—June 18, 2022): 

Department of Environmental Protection 

52 Pa.B. 3567 Notice: “Environmental Assessment Approval for PENNVEST Funding Consideration”

52 Pa.B. 3541 Notice: “Residual Waste General Permit WMGR096; Base Permit Renewal with Revisions”

Milk Marketing Board

52 Pa.B. 3566 Notice: “Proposed Amendments to 7 Pa. Code Chapters 146 and 149; Transactions Between Dealers and Customers; and Uniform System of Accounts; Public Hearing”

PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE:

SB1286 “An Act amending the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225), known as the Dog Law, in short title and definitions, further providing for definitions; in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for issuance of dog licenses, …” Referred to AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS, June 16, 2022 [Senate] (June 16, 2022).

SB136 “An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for extensive amendments to the very small meat processor Federal inspection reimbursement grant program; in agriculture and youth development, further providing for definitions and for grants; in Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, further providing for Commonwealth Specialty Crop Block Grant Fund; in Urban Agricultural Infrastructure Grant Program, further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for grant program and for distribution of grant money; and, in Farm-to-School Program, further providing for findings and declarations, for grant program and for applications and review of applications.” Laid on the table, June 15, 2022 [House] (June 15, 2022).

SB64 “An Act amending the act of June 30, 1981 (P.L.128, No.43), known as the Agricultural Area Security Law, further providing for purchase of agricultural conservation easements, for Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Fund and for Land Trust Reimbursement Program.” Laid on the table, June 15, 2022 [House] (June 15, 2022).

HB153 “An Act amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for municipal storm water assistance; establishing the Municipal Storm Water Assistance Fund and the Municipal Storm Water Assistance Program; and making an appropriation.” Referred to Environmental Resources and Energy, Dec. 10, 2021 [House] (June 13, 2022).

Written by:
Dillon Lightfoot—Research Assistant
Brook Duer—Staff Attorney