In a letter to PennDOT, Representative Chris Carney called on the agency to apply for a delay to the March 31 effective deadline for new regulations from the federal government. The new rules would require farmers who use trucks for shorter trips related to their production activities to follow the same guidelines that cover interstate trucking companies.
Carney said that what farmers need are fewer regulations in order to help them recover from difficulties in the economy.
"Our family farms are the lifeblood of our regional economy and these changes would impose unnecessary and burdensome new rules," Carney said.
Carney isn't alone in calling for a review of the proposed rule changes. Lisa Baker, a state-level senator who represents the 20th District, said that she has fielded concerns from constituents who farm in her area. Like Carney, Baker said recently that the new regulations could make it more difficult for producers who may already be facing hardships.
