A new proposal in Pennsylvania is stirring conversations among truckers. The state Senate advanced a bill allowing milk haulers to skip weather-related travel bans. If passed, the legislation would let milk trucks keep moving through snowfall without facing road closures set by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).
The details: Known as the Milk Hauler Exemption Bill (Senate Bill 481), this proposal comes after complaints from dairy farmers about wasted milk when roads are blocked.
- The bill, led by State Senators Judy Ward and Gene Yaw, suggests issuing a special decal for milk haulers to keep operations 24/7 during restrictions, reported an official source.
Rationale: Supporters argue that dairy production can’t just pause for bad weather. Farmers need their product to reach the market, despite snow or ice. "Cows don’t stop producing milk because of bad weather," expressed Senator Ward.
Following its Senate passage, Senate Bill 481 is now under scrutiny in the House. If it passes, these changes would significantly impact how the agricultural sector navigates winter conditions.