Existing state regulations even forbid consideration of the effects of noxious odors on people in deciding whether a factory farm should be permitted to dispose of large amounts of animal excrement. Unfortunately, after a special interest amendment was inserted into it, SB 300 further erodes the already limited power of local governments to regulate factory farms. This loophole gives agribusiness investors the freedom to replace existing farms with animal factories on an unprecedented scale, without having to worry about local ordinances and lawsuits. Our state legislators can protect the property, health and safety of rural Pennsylvanians by amending SB 300 to close the factory farm loophole. PennFuture Facts is available for reprint in newspapers and other publications.
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