For Immediate Release
May 6, 2008
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Senator Brubaker Holds Agriculture Committee Meeting

Committee addresses food safety, biofuel production incentives

- Sen. Waugh
- Sen. Greenleaf

HARRISBURG – Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee members today approved three pieces of legislation and a resolution, Committee Chairman Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) said.

The Committee approved the following bills:

• Senate Bill 1317, creating the Pennsylvania Farms to Fuels Initiatives Act
• Senate Bill 536, amendments to the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law regarding Dog Purchaser Protection (commonly known as the "Puppy Lemon Law")
• House Bill 1422, codifying and amending the Public Eating and Drinking Place Law, the Food Act and the Food Employee Certification Act

Senate Bill 1317, introduced by Senator Mike Waugh (R-York) would establish the Farms to Fuels Initiatives Act to encourage agricultural operations to plant and harvest bioenergy crops, perennial trees or plants that can be grown to provide raw renewable biomass energy or biofuels.

"We are still in the Special Session on Energy Policies and discussing ways in which we can implement a sustainable alternative energy policy for Pennsylvania," Brubaker said. "Senator Waugh's Farms to Fuels Initiative offers yet another option for our consideration, and I applaud the Senator for his initiative in this matter."

Brubaker said that Senate Bill 536, with amendments he introduced, strengthens the remedies available under the "Puppy Lemon Law" for individuals who purchase dogs with health problems by extending the time in which a dog may be determined to have illnesses or congenital and hereditary defects.

Senator Brubaker also introduced amendments to House Bill 1422, which provides changes and codification of law related to food safety, food facility regulation and food handling, including licensing and inspections.

Brubaker noted that food safety is important to all consumers throughout the Commonwealth. "From farm to fork, we are all responsible for ensuring the quality of the food we eat," he said.

In addition, the Committee approved Brubaker's Senate Resolution 284, recognizing May 2008 as Beef Month in Pennsylvania.

"Beef cattle contribute $2 billion and more than one million jobs to Pennsylvania's economy," Brubaker said. "My resolution recognizes those contributions and honors cattle farmers and the beef industry for their dedication to providing affordable, quality products to consumers."

Contact:

Kristin Crawford, Executive Director
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee
717-787-4420