Penna. agribusiness suffers a setback

[The Mighty Boot]

I am a member of PennFuture and this is part of an
email I rec'd. This is also my first attempt at
posting a topic so I apologize for any mistakes.
(Like not being able to create the stupid link).

"December 31, 2003

PennFuture Praises Governor Rendell’s Courage in Vetoing Illegal Factory Farm Bill;
Victory for the Constitution, Rural Citizens, Environment and Public Health

Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future (PennFuture) today praised Governor Ed Rendell for his decision to veto House Bill 1222, a vehicle codes bill which was suddenly amended to include language that strips local governments of all rights to protect citizens from the pollution caused by factory farms. The governor’s action comes despite a major pressure campaign from agribusiness, which had forced the bill through the state House and Senate with no hearings or public notice.

“Governor Rendell proved himself a true statesman today” said John Hanger, President and CEO of PennFuture. “He showed great courage against a major political force, and he did the right thing in standing up for the Constitution, the rights of rural Pennsylvanians, the environment and public health. He heard the voice of the people, and he responded.

Current state law on industrial farming does not regulate odor, air emissions or use of antibiotics. The factory farm protection bill passed the General Assembly as consumers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are expressing concern about health problems resulting from lax agricultural standards. Two Pennsylvania communities are also dealing directly with water contamination problems arising from factory farming. In both instances, the new law would have limited local communities’ ability to adopt and enforce any regulation or protection.

PennFuture is a statewide public interest membership organization that advances policies to protect and improve the state’s environment and economy. PennFuture’s activities include litigation, advancing legislative action, public education and assisting citizens in public advocacy.




PennFuture Facts is available for reprint in newspapers and other publications. Authors are available for print or broadcast interviews. For more information, contact us at 717-214-7920, or [email protected].

[TreasonousBastard]

1. Interesting...

most places claim they are protecting family farms.


Posting links is easy-- simply copy and paste the link in your browser here.


http://www.pennfuture.org/

[The Mighty Boot]

2. I saw

a couple letters to the editor and that is
what they claimed.

The state legislators that are owned by agribusines
interests managed to insert their amendments into a
bill concerning the rights of abuse victms. This had
the effect of making it appear that a vote against
the interests of factory farms was a vote against
the abuse victims' rights. It was all done by stealth
with no public input or debate-violating the Penna.
Constitution 4 different ways.

Typical Pa. chicanery.