April 3, 2023

Agricultural Law Weekly Review—April 3, 2023

Water Quality: U.S. Supreme Court Asked to Hear Appeal Interpreting Citizen Suit Authority Under Clean Water Act 🌾
On January 30, 2023, Dakota Finance LLC (dba Arabella Farms) filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court in a case which may provide clarity to the applicability of the Clean Water Act (CWA)’s authority to pursue citizen suits when a state agency has already commenced enforcement action under a state law “comparable to” the Clean Water Act’s administrative penalty provisions. Dakota Finance LLC, dba Arabella Farm, et al. v. Naturaland Trust, et al. No. 22-720. The State of South Carolina, and subsequently Trout Unlimited and other environmental advocacy non-profits, filed complaints against Arabella Farms for alleged CWA violations involving the Eastatoe River and Little Eastatoe Creek. Arabella alleges a conflict amongst the Circuit Courts of Appeals as to the proper formulation of the “comparability test” for precluding private rights of action under the CWA. See also Naturaland Trust, et al. v. Dakota Fin., LLC, et al., No. 21-1517, 41 F.4th 342 (4th Cir. July 20, 2022) and Naturaland Trust, et al. v. Dakota Fin., LLC, et al., No. 6:20-cv-01299-JD, 531 F. Supp. 3d 953 (D.S.C. Mar. 31, 2021). For more on this issue, see ALWR—July 9, 2021, “Federal Court Denies Keystone’s Motion to Appeal in Clean Water Act Case” and ALWR—Feb. 26, 2021, “Federal Judge Grants Summary Judgment Against Keystone Protein for Years of Violating Nitrogen Discharge Permit Levels.”  

National Agricultural Policy: Twenty-Eight State Attorneys General Urge Federal Right-to-Repair Legislation
On March 24, 2023, twenty-eight state attorneys general sent a letter to the U.S. House and U.S. Senate energy and commerce committee leadership requesting that Congress “redouble [their] efforts . . . to pass expansive Right-to-Repair legislation.” The letter cited three previous Right-to-Repair bills introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2021 and 2022 that failed to advance “despite widespread public support” (H.R.4006, the “Fair Repair Act”; H.R.3664, the “Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation Act” or “SMART Act”; and H.R.6570, the “Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act” or “REPAIR Act”). The letter was signed by attorneys general from Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Northern Mariana Islands, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Food Labeling: FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Dietary Guidance Statements on Food Labels
On March 24, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published in the Federal Register a notice of the availability of a draft guidance document titled “Questions and Answers About Dietary Guidance Statements in Food Labeling: Draft Guidance for Industry.” According to FDA, the guidance outlines FDA’s “current thinking on the use of Dietary Guidance Statements on packaged food labels and more broadly in the labeling of foods, including any written, printed, or graphic material accompanying a food, such as labeling on websites.” Public comment on the document will close on June 26, 2023.

Biotechnology: FDA Completes Second Pre-Market Consultation for GOOD Meat, Inc’s Cultured Animal Cell Technology
On March 21, 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that the agency completed its second pre-market consultation for human food made from cultured animal cells. This consultation assessed the safety conclusions made by GOOD Meat, Inc.’s new technology to make cultured animal cell food from live chicken cells. Following the consultation, FDA had no further questions regarding the firm’s safety conclusion.

Biotechnology: APHIS Releases Draft Modified Microorganisms Permit Application Guide for Public Comment
On March 23, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a draft Guide for Submitting Permit Applications for Microorganisms Developed Using Genetic Engineering Under 7 CFR part 340. APHIS will accept public comments on the draft until May 22, 2023.

Pesticides/Herbicides: EPA Publishes Updated Spray Drift Assessments for Four Organophosphate Pesticides
On March 15, 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that the agency published updated registration review spray drift assessments for four organophosphate pesticides: diazinon, ethoprop, tribufos and phosmet. According to the announcement, EPA was not scheduled to complete the assessments until 2025–2026. However, the agency has identified several potential risks posed by the pesticides, both to workers applying the pesticides and those who might be exposed to spray drift from the pesticides.

Food Safety: USDA APHIS Extends Comment Period for Cattle and Bison Electronic Eartags
On March 20, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published in the Federal Register an extension of the comment period for the agency’s January 19, 2023, proposed rule, “Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison.” The new comment period for the proposed rule closes April 19, 2023.

Water Quality: Chesapeake Bay Commission Issues 2022 Annual Report
On March 1, 2023, the Chesapeake Bay Commission published its 2022 Annual Report outlining its actions and with pages also devoted to the status of nutrient and sediment reduction efforts in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia within Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Water Quality: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Releases Phase 3 WIP 2022 Progress Report Summary
On March 1, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Bureau of Watershed Restoration and Nonpoint Source Management (BWRNSM) issued Pennsylvania’s Phase 3 Watershed Implementation Plan, 2022 Progress Report Summary (March 2023). In addition to summarizing additional progress since DEP’s July 2022 issuance of Pennsylvania’s Final Phase 3 WIP, an attached 114-page spreadsheet titled “Planning and Progress Milestone Reporting” outlines the substantive details of each action that comprises the WIP.

 

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CENTER PROGRAMS & RESOURCES

Events:

Understanding Agricultural Law. A free monthly Zoom webinar series for all agricultural and rural business advisors. One hour of substantive CLE credit available for Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys at no charge. Recordings and materials from the series, more information, and registration available here. Next in the series:

  • April 28, 2023, noon–1 pm (ET): Understanding the Basics of Agricultural Conservation Easement Programs
  • May 19, 2023, noon–1 pm (ET): Understanding the Basics of Landowner Immunity Statutes
  • June 23, 2023, noon–1 pm (ET): Understanding the Basics of the Farm Credit System

Multi-District Antitrust Litigation in the Protein Sectors (Poultry, Pork and Beef). Free webinar presented in partnership with the National Agricultural Law Center.

  • May 17, 2023, noon–1 pm (ET). Register.

An Overview of U.S. Charitable Food Surplus Programs. Free webinar presented in partnership with the National Agricultural Law Center.

  • June 21, 2023, noon–1 pm (ET). Register.

Dairy Quarterly Legal Webinar. A free quarterly Zoom webinar series covering U.S. dairy industry legal and regulatory developments with an in-depth focus topic presentation. One hour of substantive CLE credit available for Pennsylvania-licensed attorneys at no charge. Recordings and materials from the series, more information, and registration available here.

Next in the series:

  • April 18, 2023, noon–1 pm (ET). 1st Quarter of 2023—International Dairy Trade: Canada-U.S. USMCA Arbitration Round 2

Legal Planning for Specialty Crop Producers. A free six-webinar series is available for on-demand viewing by registering.

Podcasts:

Resources of Interest:

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 pfel-subscribe-request@lists.psu.edu.

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FEDERAL ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE 

U.S DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) PRESS RELEASES

Secretary Vilsack Convenes State Agriculture Leaders from the Colorado River Basin as Part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Comprehensive Approach to Address Unprecedented Drought in the Region (Mar. 23, 2023).

USDA Announces Upcoming Changes to the World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) Wheat Tables (Mar. 23, 2023).

U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Key Staff Appointment (Mar. 23, 2023).

USDA Announces New Investments in School Meals to Support Healthy Kids (Mar. 22, 2023).

Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on National Agriculture Day (Mar. 21, 2023).

Biden-Harris Administration Invests Nearly $200M from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to Reduce Wildfire Risk to Communities across State, Private and Tribal Lands (Mar. 20, 2021).

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) PRESS RELEASES

EPA Announces $170 Million WIFIA Loan to Help Limit Water Shortages in San Diego County, California (Mar. 23, 2023).

Statement by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on World Water Day (Mar. 22, 2023).

EPA Settles Claims with Six California Animal Fat and Vegetable Oil Companies (Mar. 22, 2023).

Statement by EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan on National Agriculture Day (Mar. 21, 2023).

USDA AGENCY PRESS RELEASES:

Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

USDA Restricts PACA Violators in California, Minnesota and Texas from Operating in the Produce Industry (Mar. 24, 2023).

USDA Launches Interagency Working Group on Competition and Intellectual Property in Seeds (Mar. 23, 2023).

USDA Expands Local Foods in School Meals through Cooperative Agreement with Oregon (Mar. 22, 2023).

USDA Takes Steps to Support Food Sovereignty with the Forest County Potawatomi Community (Mar. 20, 2023).

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

APHIS Announces Draft Modified Microorganisms Guide Available for Public Comment [open for comment through May 22, 2023] (Mar. 23, 2023).

Economic Research Service (ERS)

U.S. Export Competitiveness in Select Crop Markets (Mar. 21, 2023).

Farm Service Agency (FSA)

USDA Announces No Actions Under Feedstock Flexibility Program (Mar. 20, 2023).

Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

Industry Partners’ Role in School Meals is Crucial (Mar. 23, 2023).

USDA Announces New Investments in School Meals to Support Healthy Kids (Mar. 22, 2023).

Alaskan Self-Determination Demonstration Project Supports Tribal Health, Sovereignty (Mar. 20, 2023).

Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)

Export Sales to China (Mar. 24, 2023).

Export Sales to China (Mar. 23, 2023).

Export Sales to China (Mar. 21, 2023).

USDA Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Under Secretary Taylor Kicks Off Central America-Dominican Republic Trade Mission to Panama (Mar. 20, 2023).

USDA Delegation Visits Vietnam (Mar. 19, 2023).

National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

EFNEP Changing Lives (Mar. 23, 2023).

Community Nutrition Programs Improve Healthful Outcomes (Mar. 22, 2023).

Texas A&M Meat Scientist Developing ‘No Nitrite-Added’ Cured Meats (Mar. 22, 2023).

NIFA Invests $9.4M in Urban, Indoor, and other Emerging Agricultural Production Research, Education and Extension Initiative (Mar. 21, 2023).

NIFA Celebrates National Ag Day (Mar. 21, 2023).

What is a Forest? (Mar. 21, 2023).

Tribal Youth Use ‘Seed Bombs’ to Heal Wildfire-Damaged Lands (Mar. 20, 2023).

FEDERAL EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Federal Register Mar. 20–Mar. 24, 2022):           

Agriculture

88 FR 17782 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Agricultural Marketing Service: Regulations Governing Inspection Certification of Fresh and Processed Fruits, Vegetables and Other Products—7 CFR part 51 and 52.]” (Mar. 24, 2023).

88 FR 17783 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Foreign Agricultural Service: Borlaug Fellowship Program.]” (Mar. 24, 2023).

88 FR 17516 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [Rural Business-Cooperative Service: Fertilizer Production Expansion Program.]” (Mar. 23, 2023).

88 FR 17516 Notice: “Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request [National Agricultural Statistics Service: Field Crops Objective Yield.]” (Mar. 23, 2023).

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

88 FR 16576 Proposed Rule—Public Comment: “Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison” (Mar. 20, 2023).

Environmental Protection Agency

88 FR 17778 Proposed Rule—Public Comment: “Receipt of a Pesticide Petition Filed for Residues of Pesticide Chemicals in or on Various Commodities February 2023” (Mar. 24, 2023).

88 FR 17843 Notice: “FIFRA Scientific Advisory Panel; Examination of Microcosm/Mesocosm Studies for Evaluating the Effects of Atrazine on Aquatic Plant Communities; Request for Nominations of Ad Hoc Expert Reviewers and Notice of Public Meeting” (Mar. 24, 2023).

88 FR 17569 Notice—Public Comment: “Pesticide Product Registration; Receipt of Applications for New Uses February 2023” (Mar. 23, 2023).

88 FR 16976 Notice: “Certain New Chemicals or Significant New Uses; Statements of Findings for December 2022” (Mar. 21, 2023).

88 FR 16570 Final Rule: “Azoxystrobin; Pesticide Tolerances” (Mar. 20, 2023).
88 FR 16626 Notice—Public Comment: “Certain New Chemicals; Receipt and Status Information for February 2023” (Mar. 20, 2023).

88 FR 16630 Notice—Public Comment: “Certain New Chemicals; Receipt and Status Information for January 2023; Extension of Comment Period” (Mar. 20, 2023).

Food and Drug Administration

88 FR 17710 Final Rule: “Food Labeling, Infant Formula Requirements, Food Additives and Generally Recognized as Safe Substances, New Dietary Ingredient Notification; Technical Amendments” (Mar. 24, 2023).  

88 FR 16990 Notice: “Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Food Canning Establishment Registration, Process Filing, and Recordkeeping for Acidified Foods and Thermally Processed Low-Acid Foods in Hermetically Sealed Containers” (Mar. 21, 2023).

88 FR 16543 Final Rule: “New Animal Drugs; Approval of New Animal Drug Applications; Change of Sponsor” (Mar. 20, 2023).

Food and Nutrition Service

88 FR 17784 Notice—Public Comment: “Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request-Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Operating Guidelines, Forms, Waivers, and Annual State Report on Verification of SNAP Participation” (Mar. 24, 2023).

88 FR 17406 Proposed Rule—Public Comment: “Child Nutrition Programs: Community Eligibility Provision-Increasing Options for Schools” (Mar. 23, 2023).

International Trade Administration

88 FR 17801 Notice: “White Grape Juice Concentrate from Argentina: Suspension of Countervailing Duty Investigation” (Mar. 24, 2023).

88 FR 17808 Notice: “White Grape Juice Concentrate from Argentina: Suspension of Antidumping Duty Investigation” (Mar. 24, 2023).

Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement

88 FR 17790 Notice: “Advisory Committee on Minority Farmers” (Mar. 24, 2023).

Presidential Documents

88 FR 17363 “National Agriculture Day, 2023” (Mar. 23, 2023).

Rural Utilities Service

88 FR 16579 Notice—Public Comment: “Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023” (Mar. 20, 2023).

Susquehanna River Basin Commission

88 FR 17916 Notice: “Actions Taken at March 16, 2023 Meeting” (Mar. 24, 2023).

U.S. HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE:

H.R.1789 “To amend the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 to increase the minimum amount of a civil penalty imposed for violating such Act, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (Mar. 24, 2023).

H.R.1788 “To amend the Animal Welfare Act to increase enforcement with respect to violations of that Act, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (Mar. 24, 2023).

H.R.1765 “To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to repeal the limitation on the maximum deduction for shelter expenses allowable for determination of benefits under such Act.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (Mar. 23, 2023).

H.R.1763 “To amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to exclude from income for purposes of eligibility for the supplemental nutrition assistance program the basic allowance for housing received by members of the uniformed services.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (Mar. 23, 2023).

H.R.1756 “To require the Secretary of Agriculture to initiate hearings to review Federal milk marketing orders relating to pricing of Class I skim milk, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (Mar. 23, 2023).

H.R.1729 “To establish a trust fund to provide for adequate funding for water and sewer infrastructure, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. (Mar. 23, 2023).

H.R.1705 “To restore, reaffirm, and reconcile environmental justice and civil rights, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. (Mar. 23, 2023).

H.R.1586 “Forest Protection and Wildland Firefighter Safety Act of 2023.” Subcommittee Hearings Held. (Mar. 23, 2023).

H.R.1567 “ACRES Act.” Subcommittee Hearings Held. (Mar. 23, 2023).

H.R.1473 “To provide for a program within the Forest Service to detect, document, monitor, and remediate the environmental damages caused by trespass cultivation on National Forest Lands, and amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act to include criminal penalties for illegal pesticide application on Government property, and for other purposes.” Subcommittee Hearings Held. (Mar. 23, 2023).

H.R.1335 “Transparency, Accountability, Permitting, and Production of American Resources Act.” Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 18. (Mar. 23, 2023).

H.R.200 “FIR Act.” Subcommittee Hearings Held. (Mar. 23, 2023).

H.R.1726 “To require the Secretary of the Interior to partner and collaborate with the Secretary of Agriculture and the State of Hawaii to address Rapid Ohia Death, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1721 “To amend the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to establish a grant program to assist with the purchase, installation, and maintenance of point-of-entry and point-of-use drinking water quality improvement products, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1713 “To provide for Department of Energy and Department of Agriculture joint research and development activities, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1697 “To enhance the participation of precision agriculture in the United States, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1576 “FILM Act.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1527 “SOAR Act” Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1450 “Treating Tribes and Counties as Good Neighbors Act.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1362 “Saving America’s Energy Future Act.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1319 “Biking on Long-Distance Trails Act.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1274 “Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1242 “Military Support for Fighting Wildfires Act of 2023.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1236 “Protect the West Act of 2023.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1230 “Food Deserts Act.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Foreign Agriculture, and Horticulture. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1219 “Food and Agriculture Industry Cybersecurity Support Act.” Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1184 “Healthy Dog Importation Act.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.989 “Build the Wall Now Act.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.966 “Macadamia Tree Health Initiative Amendments Act.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.965 “Coffee Plant Health Initiative Amendments Act.” Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation, Research, and Biotechnology. (Mar. 22, 2023).

H.R.1679 “To prohibit stock trading and ownership by Members of Congress and spouses of Members of Congress, and for other purposes.” Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, House Administration, and Ways and Means. (Mar. 21, 2023).

H.R.1670 “To amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 with respect to pre-agreement costs of emergency watershed protection measures, and for other purposes.” Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture. (Mar. 21, 2023).

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

S.949 “A bill to amend the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to transition the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Mar. 22, 2023).

S.927 “A bill to require the Secretary of the Interior to partner and collaborate with the Secretary of Agriculture and the State of Hawaii to address Rapid Ohia Death, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Mar. 22, 2023).

S.926 “A bill to prohibit the purchase or lease of agricultural land in the United States by persons associated with certain foreign governments, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Mar. 22, 2023).

S.907 “A bill to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to exempt from inspection the slaughter of animals and the preparation of carcasses conducted at a custom slaughter facility, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Mar. 22, 2023).

S.901 “A bill to amend the Animal Health Protection Act to improve the prevention of the spread of animal diseases, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Mar. 21, 2023).

S.900 “A bill to amend the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 to establish a competitive grant program under which the Secretary of Agriculture provides grants to land-grant colleges and universities to support agricultural producers in adopting conservation and innovative climate practices, and for other purposes.” Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. (Mar. 21, 2023).

Legislative Hearings:

U.S. House Ag. Comm., “A Review of Title VII: USDA Implementation of Research Programs,” March 23, 2023, 10:00 am (ET), livestream.

U.S. Sen. Ag. Comm., “Forestry in the Farm Bill: The Importance of America’s Forests,” March 30, 2023, 10:30 am (ET), livestream.

U.S. Sen. Ag. Comm., “Oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” March 16, 2023, recording.

Pa. House Appropriations Comm. Budget Hearing—Department of Agriculture, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, 1:00 pm (ET), House Floor, livestream.

Pa. Senate Appropriations Comm. Budget Hearing—Department of Agriculture, Tuesday March 28, 2023, 1:00 m (ET), Hearing Room 1, North Office Building, livestream.

STATE ACTIONS—EXECUTIVE & LEGISLATIVE  

PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE PRESS RELEASES:          

Shapiro Administration Announces Long-Term Presence In Darlington Township As Part Of Its Commitment To Residents Affected By Norfolk Southern Train Derailment (Mar. 20, 2023).  

PENNSYLVANIA EXECUTIVE AGENCIES (Pa. Bulletin Vol. 53, No. 12—Mar. 25, 2023):

Department of Agriculture

53 Pa.B. 1697 Notice: “General Quarantine Order; Enhanced Live Bird Market Production Flock and Live Bird Market Supplier Flock Surveillance, Quarantine Area Requirements.”

Department of Environmental Protection

53 Pa.B. 1704 Notice: “Applications, Actions and Special Notices.”

53 Pa.B. 1772 Notice: “Sewage Advisory Committee Meeting Cancellation.”

State Conservation Commission

53 Pa.B. 1780 Notice: “Action on Odor Management Plans for Concentrated Animal Operations and Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations and Volunteers Complying with the Commonwealth’s Facility Odor Management Program.”

PENNSYLVANIA LEGISLATURE

HB 685 “An Act amending the act of December 19, 1974 (P.L.973, No.319), known as the Pennsylvania Farmland and Forest Land Assessment Act of 1974, further providing for applications for preferential assessments.” Referred to Agricultural and Rural Affairs [House]. (Mar. 23, 2023).

HB 42 “A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the shelf life of food in this Commonwealth with an emphasis on locally grown produce and other agricultural food items.” Referred to Agricultural and Rural Affairs [House]. (Mar. 21, 2023).

HB 580 “An Act providing for the Pennsylvania Fresh Food Financing Initiative; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Agriculture.” Referred to Agricultural and Rural Affairs [House]. (Mar. 20, 2023).

HB 549 “An Act amending the act of December 7, 1982 (P.L.784, No.225), known as the Dog Law, in licenses, tags and kennels, further providing for requirements for kennels; and abrogating a regulation.” Referred to Agricultural and Rural Affairs [House]. (Mar. 20, 2023).

Pennsylvania House Agriculture Committee Hearing, April 11, 2023, 1:00 pm ET, Informational meeting to discuss the status of organic production in PA, Rodale Institute Visitor’s Center, 611 Siegfriedale Road, Kutztown PA 19530.

 

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