For Immediate Release
April 21, 2010
Contact: Nathan Flood
717-787-4420
Back

A Conversation with Senator Brubaker

Brubaker Legislation Could Ease Movement of Farm Equipment

Transporting farm equipment legally on Pennsylvania roads is a serious concern for many farmers. Farming is a 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year business, and state and local transportation regulations often force farmers to choose between breaking the law or not completing their daily tasks. I introduced legislation this week that would ease some of the most burdensome restrictions on moving farm equipment.

Under current law, transporting equipment between 14 feet, 6 inches and 16 feet in width requires the purchase of a seasonal permit. For many farmers, these permits are difficult to obtain because the application requires a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and many farm implements do not have a VIN. Also, these permits are only valid for state-maintained roads, and additional permits may be required from municipal governments for any municipal roads. Farmers are also only permitted to move equipment at night under very specific circumstances and only during certain times of the year.

Senate Bill 1323 would allow for the transportation of wider equipment on Pennsylvania roads and permit farm equipment transportation at night if proper safety precautions are taken. For producers using their own equipment, my bill would increase the size of implements of husbandry permitted on roads during the day from 14 feet, 6 inches to 16 feet in width if additional safety precautions are taken.

My bill would also help farmers who do not have the financial resources to buy new, technologically advanced equipment and rely on neighboring farmers for some aspects of their operations. Senate Bill 1323 would create a classification of custom farm service implements of husbandry for farmers who are contracted by neighbors to provide a service, such as harvesting or planting. Current law treats this equipment as a commercial implement, which places more strict regulations on equipment owners. My bill would treat this equipment the same as a producer using their own equipment.

Farmers depend on the ability to move their equipment safely and legally, and my legislation would remove some of the serious roadblocks that prevent farmers from accessing the equipment they need.

Green and Growing Program Teaches Value of Environment

As part of the Great Green America Fest, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fairgrounds will host an educational event beginning on April 30 to teach young people the importance of going green.

The third annual Green and Growing School Day will invite children from across the region to visit the fairgrounds for a day of interactive and fun environmental education. Programs, activities and exhibits will be offered by the state Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Philadelphia Zoo on Wheels, Waste Management, AMERIgreen, Zoo America, the Franklin Institute, Critter Caravans and other businesses and organizations with an interest in protecting the environment.

The Green and Growing School Day will be held on April 30 and May 1 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The field trip offers the next generation of Pennsylvania leaders the opportunity to learn more about the importance of protecting our environment. I am hopeful that all young people in the area will have an opportunity to participate in this fun and educational event.

For more information on issues of importance to Lancaster and Chester County residents, please visit my website at senatorbrubaker.com.