This bill updates Pennsylvania's definitions for "alternative fuels" and "liquid fuels" under vehicle tax law. It specifically adds gasoline-ethanol blends with 51% to 85% ethanol (per industry standards) to the "alternative fuels" category and clarifies that certain fuels like diesel, kerosene, and industrial solvents are excluded from "liquid fuels" for tax purposes. These changes directly affect fuel producers, retailers, and tax authorities by defining which products are subject to fuel taxes. The bill does not alter tax rates or create new requirements - only refines existing definitions. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.
HB 2184 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to define "public interest" and require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider eight specific factors when making utility decisions. These factors include residential rate affordability, energy strategy (renewables, distributed generation, energy efficiency), grid modernization, environmental protection, economic growth (jobs, tax revenue), reliability, and environmental justice. The bill updates existing provisions about "just and reasonable" rates (Section 1301), mandatory 60-day notice for rate changes (Section 1308), and complaint-based rate investigations (Section 1309). It directly affects all utility companies operating in Pennsylvania and the PUC, which must now document how decisions align with these public interest factors. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.
This bill requires electric distribution companies in Pennsylvania to create and publish online maps showing how much additional power their local grids can support. These maps must be updated every two months and include details on available capacity, existing power sources, and any grid limitations that could affect new connections. The legislation also mandates that utilities provide clear, standardized information about reliability issues and planned upgrades to help customers and businesses plan their energy needs. Additionally, the bill establishes a process for individuals to request specific grid data and ensures that utilities cannot unfairly deny access to this information.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Radiation Protection Act to update definitions and establish new fees for nuclear facilities and radioactive material transport. It clarifies the definition of independent spent fuel storage installations and requires operators of nuclear power reactor sites to pay annual fees to the Department of Environmental Resources, with specific amounts set for sites that still store spent fuel. Additionally, the legislation mandates that shippers of spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive materials pay a fee for each vehicle, railroad, or barge shipment moving through the state. The bill also introduces a cost recovery mechanism for shut-down reactors, allowing the agency to charge owners for incident response costs if all spent fuel has been moved to approved dry cask storage. These changes aim to generate revenue for radiation safety programs and emergency preparedness without altering the core regulatory authority of the state.
This bill allocates state and federal funding to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the 2026-2027 fiscal year to support its operations and regulatory activities. It provides $98.1 million from state funds and $5.383 million in federal funds specifically for salaries, administrative expenses, and the enforcement of natural gas pipeline safety regulations. The legislation ensures that federal funds received by the commission cannot be reimbursed by utility companies, while the funding takes effect on July 1, 2026, or immediately if that date arrives later.
This bill requires electric distribution companies in Pennsylvania to evaluate and use advanced transmission technologies when proposing new transmission lines. The law mandates that any proposed transmission project must incorporate all technically feasible and cost-effective advanced technologies to achieve at least two benefits, such as avoiding new construction, increasing system capacity, reducing congestion, or minimizing environmental impacts. Electric distribution companies must submit evidence of their evaluation to the state commission, and any additional costs for implementing these technologies can be recovered through approved tariffs. The bill defines advanced transmission technologies to include tools like dynamic line rating systems, advanced power flow controllers, and high-performance conductors that improve grid efficiency and reliability.
HB 2076 establishes a regulatory framework for geothermal energy development in Pennsylvania, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create rules for project approvals, environmental safeguards, and well operations. The bill creates a Geothermal Energy Development Fund to support industry growth and imposes civil penalties for violations of the new regulations. It directly affects geothermal developers (who must comply with DEP rules) and the DEP (which must implement the regulations). Key provisions include defining geothermal resources, setting standards for well operations, and ensuring environmental protections for projects.
HB 2150 requires data centers in Pennsylvania to annually report their energy and water usage, including monthly consumption, energy sources, water sources, efficiency measures, and waste heat recovery, starting July 1, 2027. Data centers must submit detailed reports to the Department of Environmental Protection, covering specifics like peak energy use, water for cooling, and future projections. Non-compliant data centers face daily penalties of $10,000 until reports are submitted, with collected fines funding low-income energy assistance programs. The Department will publish an annual summary of consumption trends and environmental impacts for public and legislative review.
HB 1556 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to add new tax credits under the PA EDGE program specifically for "advanced clean manufacturing projects." This bill directly affects businesses constructing or expanding facilities that produce clean energy technology, such as solar panels or battery components. The key change expands the existing PA EDGE tax credit program to include these advanced clean manufacturing projects, providing financial incentives for qualifying investments. The bill does not alter other existing PA EDGE provisions or create new tax credit categories beyond this specific addition.
HB 1650 establishes Pennsylvania's Home Preservation Grant Program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. It provides grants to local governments (counties, cities, townships) to fund repairs and improvements on existing owner-occupied homes, targeting households earning 80-120% of the area median income. Grants can cover up to $50,000 per unit for habitability fixes, energy/water efficiency upgrades, or accessibility modifications, with local governments allowed to use up to 10% of funds for administration. Applications must demonstrate experience in housing rehabilitation and include plans for using funds per the bill's requirements, with priority given to projects leveraging additional funding sources.
