Environment

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 23, 2025

SB 945: An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in game or wildlife protection, prohibiting the purchase, sale, offer for sale or possession with intent to sell covered animal parts or products; and imposing penalties.

SB 945 bans the commercial trade of parts or products from 24 specific endangered or threatened species (including elephants, rhinos, sharks, and sea turtles) in Pennsylvania. It prohibits purchasing, selling, or possessing such items with intent to sell, affecting businesses and individuals involved in wildlife trafficking. Key exceptions include government law enforcement, antiques over 100 years old with documentation, musical instruments containing small amounts of protected parts, and educational permits. Violations face civil penalties ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 based on the item's value and whether it's a first or repeat offense. The law aims to combat illegal wildlife trade while allowing limited legal uses like scientific research.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans commercial trade of endangered species parts (elephants, rhinos, sharks, sea turtles) to protect biodiversity, directly advancing conservation efforts under environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 10, 2025

HB 847: An Act amending the act of May 1, 1984 (P.L.206, No.43), known as the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act, further providing for penalties and remedies.

HB 847 amends Pennsylvania's Safe Drinking Water Act to require the Department of Environmental Resources to offer a written preenforcement conference with violators before criminal charges can be filed under the Act's penalty provisions. This change directly affects individuals or entities potentially facing criminal prosecution for violations covered under sections (c), (d), or (e) of the Act. The key mechanism adds a mandatory step: the department must provide written notice of an opportunity to discuss the alleged violation before any criminal proceedings begin. The bill does not change the penalties or violations themselves but alters the enforcement process for criminal cases. (House Bill 847, 2025 Session)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds preenforcement conference before criminal charges for water violations, ensuring compliance before penalties, strengthening enforcement of Safe Drinking Water Act.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 26, 2025

SB 335: An Act amending the act of December 19, 1996 (P.L.1478, No.190), entitled "An act relating to the recycling and reuse of waste tires; providing for the proper disposal of waste tires and the cleanup of stockpiled tires; authorizing investment tax credits for utilizing waste tires; providing remediation grants for the cleanup of tire piles and for pollution prevention programs for small business and households; establishing the Small Business and Household Pollution Prevention Program and management standards for small business hazardous waste; providing for a household hazardous waste program and for grant programs; making appropriations; and making repeals," in Small Business and Household Pollution Prevention Program, further providing for grants for collection events.

SB 335 increases the annual funding limit for county tire collection events under Pennsylvania's waste tire program from $100,000 to $250,000 per county. This amendment affects local governments organizing tire collection events by allowing them to access more state funds for these activities. The bill modifies Section 209(d) of the 1996 waste tire law, specifically adjusting the spending cap without creating new programs or changing eligibility rules. It directly impacts counties conducting tire collection events as part of the existing Small Business and Household Pollution Prevention Program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases annual state funding cap for county tire collection events from $100k to $250k, directly boosting budget allocation for waste tire programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases annual funding for county tire collection events to prevent pollution from stockpiled tires, directly supporting environmental cleanup under existing pollution prevention program.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Hazardous Materials Recycling

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 501: An Act amending the act of November 30, 2004 (P.L.1672, No.213), known as the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, further providing for definitions; providing for force majeure; further providing for alternative energy portfolio standards, for portfolio requirements in other states, for health and safety standards and for interagency responsibilities; providing for zero emissions credits; and making editorial changes.

HB 501 amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to update definitions and clarify requirements for renewable energy compliance. It specifically adds "advanced reactor" (including small modular reactors) to eligible energy sources, refines criteria for low-impact hydropower, and updates definitions for biomass, biogas, and alternative energy credits. The bill affects electric utilities required to meet portfolio standards by specifying which energy sources count toward compliance and how credits are calculated. These changes aim to modernize the framework for renewable energy reporting and incentives without altering current percentage targets. The bill is currently in committee review (Environmental & Natural Resource Protection).

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAdds 'advanced reactor' and refines hydropower criteria to expand eligible renewable sources under portfolio standards, directly advancing renewable energy compliance requirements.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds advanced reactors and refines hydropower to expand renewable energy compliance, promoting clean energy adoption under portfolio standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Nuclear Renewable Energy

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 16, 2025

HB 1954: An Act providing for a moratorium on the privatization of public water and wastewater systems; establishing the Water Utility Reform Working Group; and making a repeal relating to valuation of acquired water and wastewater systems.

HB 1954 temporarily halts the privatization of public water and wastewater systems owned by municipalities. It creates a Water Utility Reform Working Group to develop long-term solutions for public water management. The bill also repeals a specific rule about valuing water systems acquired by public entities. This directly affects cities and towns operating public water services, preventing private companies from taking over these systems while the working group develops reforms.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPrevents privatization of public water/wastewater systems, ensuring public control over critical environmental infrastructure and pollution prevention.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 1556: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credits, providing for an advanced clean manufacturing project and further providing for definitions.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdds tax credits for clean manufacturing under PA EDGE, providing fiscal incentives to businesses through expanded tax credits in the Tax Reform Code.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAdds tax credits for clean energy manufacturing projects, directly incentivizing renewable infrastructure investment per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds tax credits for advanced clean manufacturing projects (e.g., solar/battery production), directly promoting clean energy adoption and reducing emissions per bill's focus on clean technology incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Energy Storage Renewable Energy Solar

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 958: An Act amending the act of October 4, 1978 (P.L.864, No.167), known as the Storm Water Management Act, further providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources; and making editorial changes.

HB 958 amends Pennsylvania's 1978 Storm Water Management Act to update the Department of Environmental Resources to the Department of Environmental Protection and clarify its responsibilities. The bill requires the department to provide technical assistance to local governments for implementing storm water plans and conduct annual water quality testing of surface waters, with backup options for testing if resources are limited. It also streamlines the approval process for watershed storm water plans and clarifies grant eligibility for municipalities and counties to cover storm water management costs. These changes directly affect local governments, small storm sewer systems, and the state environmental department in managing storm water infrastructure and water quality.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires annual water quality testing, technical assistance for storm water plans, and streamlines watershed management - directly strengthening environmental protection under the Storm Water Management Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 13, 2025

HB 894: An Act establishing the Veterans Entering the Sustainability Sector Program and the Veterans Entering the Sustainability Sector Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

HB 894 establishes the Veterans Entering the Sustainability Sector Program (VETSS) to help veterans enter jobs in renewable energy and environmental sectors. The bill creates a Veterans Entering the Sustainability Sector Fund to provide grants to eligible employers - businesses focused on renewable energy (like solar, wind, or bioenergy) that hire veterans who completed approved apprenticeship training in fields such as electrician work, solar installation, or environmental maintenance. The Department of Community and Economic Development will administer the program, overseeing training development and grant applications. This directly affects veterans seeking sustainability-sector careers and employers in renewable energy who hire them, with the goal of addressing environmental concerns like climate change through workforce development.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates fund for veterans in renewable energy jobs (solar, wind, bioenergy), directly advancing clean energy sector development and workforce investment.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes program training veterans for renewable energy jobs, funding grants for solar/wind/bioenergy employers. Directly promotes clean energy sector growth and environmental sustainability.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates VETSS Program and Fund to provide grants for veterans entering renewable energy jobs, directly supporting veteran employment through dedicated funding and program creation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Climate Change Conservation Veteran Employment

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Aug 15, 2025

SB 970: An Act amending Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in development, further providing for well permits.

SB 970 bans the use of oil and gas wells for injecting fluids produced during extraction (like wastewater) for disposal or storage. It prohibits the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from issuing permits for such wells and directly affects oil and gas operators seeking to use this disposal method. The bill also allows residents living or owning property within five miles of a violating well, or businesses operating within that radius, to sue in local court for violations. Courts can award damages, attorney fees, and court orders to stop the violations. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill restricts oil and gas well wastewater disposal, directly limiting a fossil fuel production practice under energy production regulations.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans oil/gas wastewater injection disposal, prohibits DEP permits, enables lawsuits to prevent pollution - strengthens environmental protections95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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passed · Pennsylvania · House May 16, 2025

HB 789: An Act amending Title 12 (Commerce and Trade) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Property Assessed Clean Energy Program, further providing for purpose, for definitions and for scope of work.

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands clean energy program to include EV charging infrastructure, promoting renewable energy adoption and clean energy investment.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands clean energy financing to include EV charging infrastructure, promoting electric vehicle adoption and reducing transportation emissions through renewable energy incentives.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationExpands clean energy program to fund EV charging infrastructure, directly advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Conservation Electric Vehicles Vehicle Registration

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