A bill supported by Farm Bureau that would allow milk to continue to be transported from farms to processing plants during weather-related commercial travel bans is moving forward in the state Senate.
The Senate Transportation Committee voted 9-4 to send House Bill 186 to the full Senate for consideration. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Marty Causer of McKean County, has already been passed by the state House.
The measure would exempt haulers transporting milk from farms to processing plants from weather-related travel bans. Pennsylvania Farm Bureau believes the change is needed to ensure that farmers are not at risk of losing thousands of dollars in lost production due to restrictions on the movement of raw milk. Because milk is perishable and on-farm storage is limited, raw milk must be transported in a timely fashion or dumped. Milk haulers are accustomed to driving in poor weather and on rural roads and typically have their vehicles equipped with safety features to aid in winter driving.
The measure was passed by both the House and Senate last session but was ultimately vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf.