HB 1308 updates Pennsylvania's storm water management rules by amending environmental (Title 27) and municipal (Title 53) statutes. It requires municipalities to implement new storm water management plans for new construction and development projects, directly affecting local governments and developers. The bill establishes standardized requirements for managing runoff to protect water quality, including updated definitions and procedures for municipal authorities. These changes aim to modernize how communities address storm water pollution under state law.
HB 430 requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to block the construction or installation of wind turbines that interfere with military operations at nearby installations. This bill directly affects wind energy developers seeking permits near military bases and the DEP, which would enforce the prohibition. The key provision mandates the DEP to deny permits for turbines causing negative impacts - such as radar interference - without requiring new studies or cost-benefit analyses. It does not alter existing wind energy policies but adds a specific military safety requirement to DEP permitting decisions.
HB 441 amends Pennsylvania's Wild Resource Conservation Act to explicitly include wild native terrestrial invertebrates (such as insects and spiders) in conservation management. It adds definitions for these species and establishes a policy framework for their protection within the existing legal structure. The bill directly affects wildlife management practices by requiring state agencies to consider invertebrate conservation in planning. This update fills a gap in the 1982 law, which previously did not specifically address invertebrate species. The bill passed final passage on October 7, 2025, and was referred to the Environmental Resources & Energy committee.
HR 271 is a resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee and study indoor air quality concerns affecting seniors and children in the Commonwealth. It requires the commission to conduct a formal review of current air quality standards and potential health impacts in these vulnerable groups' living environments. The key mechanism involves creating a committee to gather data, analyze risks, and recommend improvements to indoor air quality policies. This resolution does not create new laws but mandates a study to inform future policy decisions.
HB 553 authorizes several land transfers between Pennsylvania state agencies and local entities. It permits the Department of General Services to transfer specific lands in Harrisburg to the Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority, convey an easement for Lake Winola Access in Wyoming County, and exchange parcels between Tioga County and the Commonwealth in Tioga County. The bill also facilitates a land swap involving the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, adding a parcel to Lehigh Gorge State Park. These actions directly affect state agencies, local governments, and park management, with no new policy changes beyond land ownership adjustments. The bill was enacted on June 30, 2025.
HB 994 bans the commercial trade of parts or products from specific endangered species (like elephants, rhinos, sharks, and pangolins) in Pennsylvania, affecting businesses and individuals involved in buying, selling, or possessing these items with intent to sell. Key exceptions include government law enforcement activities, antique items over 100 years old (under 200 grams), musical instruments (under 200 grams), and educational/scientific use with proper permits. Violations face civil fines up to $20,000 based on item value and repeat offenses, with seized items potentially used for education or destroyed. The law targets wildlife trafficking while allowing limited, regulated exceptions for cultural, historical, or research purposes.
HB 1089 restricts the sale and application of sealants containing high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), harmful chemicals linked to health and environmental risks, primarily affecting manufacturers, contractors, and businesses selling these products. It establishes a Safer Sealant Fund to support the development of safer alternatives, requires the Department of Environmental Protection to enforce compliance, and allows municipalities to adopt stricter local rules. Violations of the restrictions incur penalties, with the bill aiming to reduce exposure to PAHs through regulatory and financial mechanisms.
HB 789 amends Pennsylvania's Property Assessed Clean Energy Program to include electric vehicle charging infrastructure as a qualifying project for financing. It defines "electric vehicle charging infrastructure project" as equipment for charging electric vehicles and expands the program to cover such installations alongside energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects on commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties. The bill requires local governments to notify the Department of Revenue upon project completion, providing details and property owner contact information to ensure proper tax collection for electric vehicle charging. This update aims to streamline financing access for clean energy improvements while clarifying administrative requirements for local and state agencies.
HB 543 modifies Pennsylvania's electric utility regulations to strengthen energy efficiency program oversight. It requires the Public Utility Commission to review utility efficiency plans within 120 days, provide detailed reasons for disapproval, and allow utilities 60 days to revise plans addressing commission concerns. The bill specifically protects cost-effective mechanical insulation (used in heating/cooling systems) from disapproval solely based on its inclusion, requiring the commission to use a total resource cost test. This directly affects electric distribution companies and the commission, with the changes taking effect 60 days after enactment.
HB 620 increases the recycling fee for waste processing facilities in Pennsylvania from $2 to $5 per ton. The bill directly affects operators of municipal waste landfills and resource recovery facilities, requiring them to pay this fee on all solid waste processed at their facilities or disposed of at landfills (excluding certain residues). The key provision amends Section 701(a) of the 1988 Municipal Waste Planning Act to set the new fee amount. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment.
