Environment (Water Quality)

passed · Pennsylvania · House May 1, 2026

HB 2246: An Act amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in water resources planning, further providing for State water plan and providing for covered data centers; and promulgating regulations.

HB 2246 would require large data centers in Pennsylvania to report water usage and undergo environmental reviews before construction. It mandates pre-application notification to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), including detailed water use estimates, source assessments, and proof that withdrawals won’t harm other water users or water quality. The bill adds new permit conditions under the Clean Streams Law, requiring data centers to implement water conservation measures like closed-loop systems and water recycling. These provisions apply specifically to "covered data centers" (large facilities with significant water needs) and aim to protect local water resources while enabling data center development.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires data centers to report water use, undergo environmental reviews, and implement conservation measures to protect water quality and resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling Water Quality

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 20, 2025

HB 659: An Act updating and expanding the storm water planning requirements to be undertaken by counties; authorizing counties to regulate storm water within a watershed-based planning area; authorizing the formation of water resources management authorities; enabling counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities to develop integrated water resources management plans; imposing duties and conferring powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities; providing for financing and for waiver of use for certain grant or loan funds; establishing the Integrated Water Resources Management Account; and making repeals.

HB 659 creates a new statewide framework for managing water resources by requiring counties and municipalities to develop watershed-based storm water and integrated water management plans. It authorizes counties to regulate storm water within specific watersheds, allows for the formation of water resources management authorities, and mandates coordinated planning across local governments. The bill establishes the Integrated Water Resources Management Account to fund these efforts and provides new mechanisms for grants, loans, and fee collection to support implementation. This replaces outdated storm water planning rules with a unified system aimed at addressing flooding, erosion, and water quality issues through coordinated local action.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates watershed-based storm water planning, authorizes regulation to protect water resources, and establishes funding for integrated water management plans to reduce pollution and conserve resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

Track

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

Track

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

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 20, 2025

HB 665: An Act amending the act of July 7, 1980 (P.L.380, No.97), known as the Solid Waste Management Act, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in residual waste, further providing for disposal, processing and storage of residual waste and providing for exempt special wastes; and making an editorial change.

HB 665 amends Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Management Act to strengthen testing requirements for residual waste facilities. It requires facilities handling residual waste to test incoming waste and outgoing drainage water (leachate) for specific contaminants: water quality chemicals (chloride, bromide, sulfate, nitrate), hazardous characteristics (toxicity, corrosivity, ignitability), and naturally occurring radionuclides (uranium, radium, radon). Facilities must compare these test results quarterly and report them to the state environmental department and local municipalities. This directly affects waste processing and landfill operators managing residual waste, ensuring more comprehensive monitoring of potential environmental impacts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens testing requirements for contaminants in waste facilities, enhancing pollution control and environmental protection under solid waste management.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management Water Quality

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 3, 2025

SB 216: An Act amending the act of May 1, 1933 (P.L.103, No.69), known as The Second Class Township Code, in storm water management plans and facilities, further providing for fees.

SB 216 modifies Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to establish rules for storm water management fees. It allows townships to charge property owners fees based on benefits from storm water systems, with strict limits tied to federal water laws. The bill specifically protects agricultural properties: fees for farms with under 30% covered surfaces cannot exceed twice the township's median fee, and additional reductions apply for conservation costs tied to water quality plans. All collected fees must fund storm water management, and property owners must submit annual documentation to qualify for agricultural fee reductions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill ties storm water fees to conservation costs for water quality, reduces fees for farms with conservation plans, and protects agricultural properties under environmental regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Sep 9, 2025

HB 1845: 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 definitions and for public nuisances.

HB 1845 amends Pennsylvania's Safe Drinking Water Act to update definitions related to water quality standards and address public nuisances involving drinking water. This bill would directly affect water suppliers, public health agencies, and communities by clarifying legal terms and procedures for handling unsafe water conditions. Key provisions include revising terminology to better align with current regulatory needs and establishing clearer pathways for addressing public nuisances, such as contaminated water sources. However, the specific details of these changes are not provided in the available context, so the exact scope and impact cannot be fully described. The bill has been referred to the Health committee for further consideration.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAmends Safe Drinking Water Act to clarify definitions and procedures for addressing unsafe water conditions, strengthening regulatory enforcement for public health and environmental protection.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 29, 2025

SB 204: 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; repealing provisions relating to appropriations; and making editorial changes.

SB 204 amends Pennsylvania's 1978 Storm Water Management Act to update the Department of Environmental Resources to the Department of Environmental Protection and revise administrative references. It adds new requirements for the department to conduct annual water quality testing of surface waters, review watershed storm water plans with the Department of Community and Economic Development, and provide technical assistance to municipalities. The bill repeals outdated specific funding language from the original act that referenced a $500,000 appropriation for 1978-79. These changes directly affect the Department of Environmental Protection, municipalities, and counties responsible for implementing storm water management plans.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds annual water testing, watershed reviews, and technical assistance to municipalities, strengthening water quality management under updated environmental protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 28, 2025

SB 684: An Act amending Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in development, further providing for notification to public drinking water systems.

SB 684 amends Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas statutes to update provisions for notifying public and private drinking water systems about spills. The bill requires the Department to investigate spills upon receiving notification. After investigating, the Department must notify any public drinking water facility or private well owner that could be affected by the event. This notification must include a brief description of the spill and any expected impact on water quality.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates notification of water systems after spills, requiring investigation and impact disclosure to protect water quality, aligning with environmental protection indicators.70% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 22, 2025

HB 234: An Act amending the act of May 1, 1933 (P.L.103, No.69), known as The Second Class Township Code, in storm water management plans and facilities, further providing for fees.

HB 234 amends Pennsylvania's Second Class Township Code to establish a fee structure for storm water management facilities, systems, and plans. Townships may charge reasonable, property-based fees that cannot exceed costs required by federal and state storm water regulations. The bill requires townships to offer exemptions or credits for properties with approved storm water facilities or for agricultural operations using USDA-approved best management practices. This change directly affects townships and property owners by creating a standardized approach to funding storm water infrastructure.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires exemptions for properties using USDA-approved best management practices, promoting pollution control in storm water management per federal/state regulations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

Track