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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 12, 2023 11:41 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative P. Michael Sturla |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Clean Streams |
| Allowing livestock to drink from streams is an antiquated agricultural practice that is detrimental to the health of herds as well as Pennsylvania’s waterways. Livestock using streams not only increases the risks of animal injury, but due to animal waste it also devastates the water quality for Pennsylvanians and wildlife whose lives depend on clean water. A Chesapeake Bay Commission report showed the dramatic results of achieving cleaner water when farmers worked together to practice stream exclusion in Virginia. In an effort to enhance Pennsylvania’s agricultural practices and protect the Commonwealth’s water quality, I am introducing legislation that will give municipalities the freedom to require fences to be placed between livestock and streams, while allowing for livestock crossing points. By keeping livestock out of streams, we can improve the quality of our agricultural while reducing certain pollutants by 80%. As legislators, we have the responsibility to ensure our local governments have the tools they need to protect our most important industry and vital natural resource. Please join me in advancing our farming practices into the 21st century. |
Introduced as HB677