This bill establishes a regulatory framework for geothermal energy development in Pennsylvania. It creates the Geothermal Energy Development Fund to support projects, requires the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate regulations for geothermal operations, and defines key terms like "geothermal resource" and "geothermal well." The law directly affects developers seeking to extract geothermal energy (heat from the earth), landowners with geothermal resources, and the Department of Environmental Protection, which gains new duties to oversee projects. Key provisions include requiring permits for geothermal projects, setting liability rules for well operators, and imposing civil penalties for violations of the regulations.
SB 1129 amends Pennsylvania's Underground Utility Line Protection Law by updating the definition of "line" or "facility" to explicitly include unconventional oil and gas well production lines, gathering lines, and steam pipelines in public rights-of-way. It clarifies that these additions apply regardless of land ownership or easements, while specifying that stripper well lines are excluded unless they meet specific federal pipeline safety standards. The bill directly affects utility companies, construction crews, and excavation workers who must follow damage prevention rules for underground infrastructure. This definition update ensures clearer coverage for modern utility systems during excavation 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 2089 requires new nonresidential buildings in Pennsylvania to include electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure based on building type and size. For example, retail facilities with 25-500 parking spaces must provide 2% Level 1 and 1% Level 2 charging spaces, while offices with the same size need 4% Level 1 and 1% Level 2. At least 50% of required spaces must have functional charging equipment upon occupancy, with the remainder prewired for future installation. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry must issue implementing regulations within 180 days of the bill's effective date.
SB 1019 amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to clarify rules for small-scale renewable energy systems owned by residents and businesses (known as "customer-generators"). It sets specific capacity limits (50 kilowatts for residential systems, 3,000 kilowatts for non-residential locations) and requires that these systems produce no more than a customer's annual electricity use. The bill also changes how excess energy is compensated, capping payments at the utility's "avoided cost" (the cost the utility would incur to generate that energy) instead of full retail rates. This directly affects homeowners and small businesses with solar or wind systems seeking to sell surplus power back to the grid.
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.
SB 147 creates a program offering financial incentives to Pennsylvania truck owners and fleets purchasing near-zero emission trucks (diesel models from 2010 or later meeting EPA standards). It provides grants covering either the federal excise tax on new trucks or 6% of the used truck price (up to $5,000) to offset costs, but requires trading in a pre-2010 diesel truck that is titled and registered in Pennsylvania. The program, managed by the Department of Transportation, operates on a first-come, first-served basis with funds from a dedicated state incentive fund. Truck owners must register the new vehicle in Pennsylvania for at least two years to qualify for the grant.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Public Utilities law regarding energy efficiency and conservation programs for electric distribution companies. It requires the Public Utility Commission to adopt an updated program, mandating these companies to implement plans focused on energy efficiency, conservation, and increasing consumer resilience to extreme weather events. The bill modifies requirements for targeted energy reduction efforts, including those for government entities, non-profits, and low-income households, ensuring proportionate benefits and allowing for alternative compliance mechanisms. It establishes ongoing requirements for these plans, removing previous fixed deadlines, and outlines cost recovery mechanisms for approved measures.
HB 1038 creates a new 25% tax credit for Pennsylvania property owners who install green roofs - roofs with vegetation, waterproof membranes, and drainage systems. It directly affects businesses and individuals who construct qualifying green roofs covering at least 50% of a building’s rooftop or 75% of certified eligible space, requiring structural engineering certification and local permits. Applicants must file detailed plans with the Department of Revenue, maintain the roof for five years, and claim credits against annual taxes (capped at $100,000 per applicant yearly), with $10 million in credits available statewide each fiscal year. The credit is non-refundable, non-transferable, and requires repayment if maintenance requirements are not met.
HB 1595 removes Pennsylvania's state-specific regulations for heavy-duty diesel vehicle emissions (25 Pa. Code Ch. 126 Subch. E) and replaces them with federal standards. It directly affects heavy-duty diesel vehicle owners, operators, and manufacturers in Pennsylvania who previously had to comply with the state's emissions control program. The bill's key mechanism is the immediate abrogation of Pennsylvania's program, making federal emissions standards the only applicable requirement for these vehicles in the state. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.
