Environment

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Aug 18, 2026

HB 2741: An Act amending the act of November 21, 1990 (P.L.539, No.133), known as the Cave Protection Act, further providing for penalties.

Pennsylvania House Bill 2741 amends the state's Cave Protection Act to introduce a new penalty option for individuals convicted of violating cave-related laws. The bill allows courts to require offenders to perform community service by picking up litter or illegally dumped trash in addition to any other penalties imposed. This provision directly affects people found guilty of damaging or improperly accessing caves, aiming to address environmental harm through direct cleanup efforts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAmends Cave Protection Act to mandate litter cleanup as a penalty, directly addressing environmental harm and conservation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 9, 2026

SB 1418: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in terms and courses of study, providing for hunting and trapping education; and imposing duties on the Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to require the Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to create a model program for hunting and trapping education for students in grades six through twelve. The program must include age-appropriate firearm safety instruction covering topics like safe handling, maintenance, and wildlife conservation, taught only by certified instructors without bringing actual firearms onto school property. Schools can offer this as an optional extracurricular class or integrate it into existing courses, and parents may request to excuse their children from the instruction without penalty. Additionally, the bill allows schools to receive reimbursement for program costs and counts related training hours toward staff professional development.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands educational curriculum by mandating a new hunting and trapping education program with safety instruction for K-12 students.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates wildlife conservation education and firearm safety, fostering respect for natural resources and promoting conservation awareness among students.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 8, 2026

SB 1417: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for sustainable aviation fuel tax credit.

This bill creates a tax credit program in Pennsylvania to encourage the production of sustainable aviation fuel. To qualify, companies must invest at least $150 million in a local facility, create at least 400 permanent jobs, and pay workers prevailing wages. The credit provides up to $1 per gallon for fuel production, with an extra 25 cents per gallon for using local feedstocks or achieving significant greenhouse gas reductions. Eligible producers must also meet specific state tax compliance requirements and sign a commitment letter with state officials.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax credit to fund sustainable aviation fuel production, advancing fiscal management and state budget goals through targeted economic incentives.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates tax credits to encourage sustainable aviation fuel production, reducing fossil fuel dependence and supporting clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates tax credits for sustainable aviation fuel and rewards greenhouse gas reductions, directly promoting clean energy and reducing emissions.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates tax credits to encourage sustainable aviation fuel production, directly supporting transportation infrastructure and sustainability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Climate Change Airports Transportation Funding

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 11, 2026

HB 2692: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in preemptions, providing for accessory uses of commercial solar facilities.

This bill allows local governments in Pennsylvania to automatically permit battery storage systems as accessory uses on land already approved for commercial solar projects. Under the new rules, these storage units must be located within the same property boundaries and have a capacity that does not exceed the solar facility's generating capacity. Once approved, the storage systems do not require additional special permits or land use approvals, though they must still follow all existing safety and fire codes. The legislation also clarifies that adding battery storage does not change any financial terms or tax exemptions associated with the original solar facility.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill facilitates commercial solar projects by allowing automatic battery storage, advancing renewable energy infrastructure and efficiency.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill facilitates commercial solar and battery storage, promoting clean energy and reducing emissions.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill facilitates adoption of commercial solar and battery storage, advancing clean energy technology infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 29, 2026

HB 2720: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in tax credit and tax benefit administration, further providing for definitions; and providing for green infrastructure tax credit.

This Pennsylvania bill creates a new tax incentive to encourage the installation of green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, green roofs, and permeable pavement, on properties within the state. It defines "green infrastructure" as stormwater management practices that reduce or reuse runoff and sets rules for claiming a tax credit based on qualified costs like design, materials, and installation. To receive the credit, taxpayers must complete a certified project and submit detailed documentation to the Department of Revenue, while excluding costs covered by grants or routine maintenance. The legislation also updates the legal definition of "tax credit" to include this new program alongside existing state tax benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill introduces a new tax credit for green infrastructure, providing fiscal incentives and encouraging sustainable development through tax benefits.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates tax incentives for green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable pavement to reduce runoff and protect the environment.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes sustainable transportation via green infrastructure like permeable pavement, which supports road infrastructure and stormwater management.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Tax Incentives Water Quality Roads & Highways

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 9, 2026

SR 349: A Resolution urging the Congress of the United States to pass the American High-Speed Rail Act.

This Senate Resolution urges the United States Congress to pass the American High-Speed Rail Act. The bill aims to establish a framework for high-speed rail development in the U.S. by defining project parameters and encouraging public-private investment. Pennsylvania is highlighted as a key location that could benefit from these federal efforts due to its existing rail infrastructure and strategic position. Copies of the resolution are sent to federal lawmakers to advocate for the legislation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentHigh-speed rail reduces reliance on cars and planes, lowering greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly urges passage of an act to establish high-speed rail development, expanding public transit infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Rail

Track

passed · Pennsylvania · House Jul 12, 2026

HR 580: A Resolution designating July 18, 2026, as "Piping Plover Day" in Pennsylvania.

This resolution designates July 18, 2026, as "Piping Plover Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the state's conservation efforts for the endangered piping plover. The measure recognizes the bird's successful return to Presque Isle State Park, where habitat restoration has supported nesting for ten consecutive years. By officially marking this date, the bill highlights the collaborative work between state agencies, federal partners, and conservation groups to protect the species and its beach habitat.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill honors successful conservation efforts and habitat restoration for an endangered species, highlighting protective collaboration.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 30, 2026

HB 2682: An Act providing for registration of extraordinary water users; imposing a water resource fee; providing for reporting; establishing the Critical Water Planning Area Administration and Watershed Monitoring Fund; establishing the Water Use Fund; providing for duties of the Department of Environmental Protection and for submission of a question to the electorate authorizing incurring of indebtedness for water-related environmental initiatives; and establishing penalties.

This bill creates a new regulatory framework in Pennsylvania to manage water use by large commercial entities, specifically targeting data centers and other facilities that consume significant amounts of water without returning it to natural sources. It requires these "extraordinary" nonmunicipal users to register with the state and submit detailed reports on their water consumption, while also imposing a new fee on their usage. The collected fees will be placed into dedicated funds to support watershed monitoring, critical water planning areas, and environmental restoration projects, and the bill establishes a process to ask voters if the state should be allowed to take on debt for water-related environmental initiatives. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Protection will be given specific duties to enforce these rules, including requiring preconstruction notifications from major water users, and the act includes penalties for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes regulatory framework, fees, and funds to manage water use, conserve resources, and protect environmental integrity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SB 1362: An Act providing for the Milk Dispensary School Pilot Program; awarding grants; establishing the Milk Dispensary School Pilot Program Account; and imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture.

This bill establishes a ten-year pilot program in Pennsylvania to provide grants for schools to install milk dispensary systems that serve whole milk without packaging. The Department of Agriculture, working with the Center for Dairy Excellence, will manage the program by reviewing applications and funding eligible public and nonpublic schools that participate in federal nutrition programs. Grant recipients must prioritize waste reduction, serve low-income students, source milk locally, and share data on their results. To ensure safety and compliance, the program requires all systems to meet state and federal food standards while schools report quarterly data on milk usage and waste reduction.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill provides grants to schools for milk dispensary systems, improving student nutrition and reducing waste, which supports educational access and infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates waste reduction and local sourcing for milk dispensary systems, directly reducing packaging waste and supporting environmental conservation.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 17, 2026

HB 2595: An Act amending the act of November 30, 2004 (P.L.1672, No.213), known as the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, providing for interconnection reviews.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to establish a formal process for reviewing connections between renewable energy systems and the electric grid. It requires electric distribution companies to determine at a scoping meeting whether a feasibility, impact, or facilities study is needed and mandates that these studies be completed within 90 days. Upon finishing the study, the utility must agree to perform any necessary grid upgrades, providing a timeline and cost estimates that are subject to commission approval. If the utility fails to complete these upgrades on time or within the estimated budget, the customer can use a dispute resolution process, and the commission may enforce penalties against the utility.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill streamlines interconnection reviews for renewable energy systems, facilitating grid upgrades and accelerating clean energy deployment.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill streamlines renewable energy grid interconnection, promoting clean energy adoption and environmental protection.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill streamlines renewable energy grid interconnection, advancing clean technology infrastructure and deployment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Transmission

Track