Feb. 28, 2024
TURBOTVILLE – In response to growing concerns within the community, Rep. Michael Stender (R-Northumberland/Montour) and the House Republican Policy Committee, led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington), convened a hearing to discuss opportunities missed in Pennsylvania agriculture due to the Commonwealth’s burdensome permitting processes.
The hearing, “Removing Obstacles to Opportunity: Pennsylvania Agriculture,” featured the following testifiers: William Fink, facilities manager, Country View Family Farms; Adam Pritts, owner, Laurel Hill Trout Farm; Grant Gulibon, regulatory affairs specialist, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau; and Robert Garrett, president and CEO, Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce.
“The agriculture industry is the backbone of Pennsylvania, and the work our farmers complete daily supplies resources for Pennsylvanians and also helps the entire country,” said Stender. “There should not be unnecessary permitting and regulations that could hinder their work. I’m grateful for the testimony provided to committee today, and I hope the committee members will use it to strategize an easier path for the future generations in agriculture.”
All the testifiers agreed that a clear pathway to obtaining a permit for the agriculture industry is desperately needed. Unless the permitting process is streamlined, businesses are at risk of moving to other states, like Virginia and Ohio, where obtaining a permit is a productive, not punitive, process.
“There is a culture within some Pennsylvania state agencies that is not helpful,” said Kail. “Permitting doesn’t become a major issue unless it’s something people are talking about. Well, people are talking about it. The governor knows that people are angry about the permitting process in Pennsylvania. This is costing us jobs and growth. It’s costing Pennsylvania a thriving future.”
To watch the complete hearing click here.
Representative Michael Stender
108th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Huntre Keip
717.772.9837
hkeip@pahousegop.com
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