Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB587

Introduced

2/12/25

Refer

2/12/25

Caption

Amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated

Impact

The impact of HB 587 is significant as it amends Title 3 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, introducing regulations aimed at food processing residuals. This law will provide a structure for managing food waste that includes certification and operational requirements for haulers and brokers. It is designed to mitigate environmental concerns associated with improper disposal and application of processing residuals. The bill preempts local regulations, establishing state-level control that may streamline compliance but could raise concerns about local governance over agricultural practices.

Summary

House Bill 587 establishes a certification program for haulers and brokers of food processing residuals to regulate the transportation and land application of waste materials generated from food processing operations. This legislation mandates that any individual or entity engaging in these activities must be certified by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. This certification program is intended to enhance oversight of food waste management and promote public health and safety by ensuring compliance with sound environmental practices.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment surrounding HB 587 appears to be cautiously optimistic among proponents who view the certification program as a necessary step toward better waste management and environmental protection. However, there are concerns voiced by some stakeholders regarding the preemption of local ordinances, which could limit local governments' ability to tailor regulations to specific community needs. As the bill progresses, discussions on its potential long-term implications for agricultural operations and local economies are becoming increasingly relevant.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between state oversight and local control, as well as the potential burden this certification program may impose on small-scale operators within the agricultural sector. Opponents argue that while the intent of the bill is to improve food waste management, it could inadvertently create hurdles for smaller agricultural businesses that may struggle with compliance costs and administrative burdens. As such, the conversation around HB 587 emphasizes the need for careful implementation and possible amendments to accommodate diverse agricultural practices across Pennsylvania.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2594

Establishing the hauler or broker of food processing residuals certification program; providing for the transportation of food processing residuals; imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture and the State Conservation Commission; and imposing penalties.

PA HB2393

In general provisions, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of department; in applications and permits, further providing for permits and licenses required, transition scheme and reporting requirements and providing for food processing residuals; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1304

Amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania

PA HB491

Amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania

PA SB945

Consolidating the act of August 9, 1955 (P.L.323, No.130), known as The County Code; and making repeals.

PA HB1762

Consolidating the act of August 9, 1955 (P.L.323, No.130), known as The County Code; and making repeals.

PA HB224

Establishing the Rebuild Pennsylvania Board, the Rebuild Pennsylvania Program and the Rebuild Pennsylvania Fund; providing for powers and duties of the board and for use of program money; and making an interfund transfer.

PA SB1269

Establishing the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program and the Agriculture Innovation Board.

PA HB2500

Providing for adult use of cannabis; regulating the personal use and possession of cannabis; providing for powers and duties of the Department of Agriculture; establishing the Cannabis Business Development Fund; providing for social and economic equity, for regulation of cannabis business establishments, for enforcement and immunities, for laboratory testing, for advertising, marketing, packaging and labeling and for preparation, destruction and regulation of cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; imposing a sales tax and excise tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused edible and nonedible products; establishing the Cannabis Regulation Fund; providing for cannabis clean slate and for miscellaneous provisions; imposing penalties; consolidating provisions relating to medical cannabis; transferring certain powers and duties of the Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture; and making repeals.

PA HB1509

Amending Titles 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) and Title

Similar Bills

PA SB763

In general provisions, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of the department; in applications and permits, further providing for permits and licenses required, transition scheme and reporting requirements and providing for requirements for animal processing residuals and food processing residuals, for requirements for the storage, transfer and transport of animal processing residuals and food processing residuals by commercial brokers and commercial haulers, for preemption of local ordinances and for mitigation; abrogating regulations; and making an editorial change.