Environment (Forestry) in Pennsylvania

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 24, 2026

HB 2316: An Act designating the Scarlet Tanager as the official migratory bird of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

This bill designates the Scarlet Tanager as Pennsylvania's official migratory bird, recognizing the species' importance to the state's natural heritage and ecosystems. The legislation formally acknowledges that Pennsylvania supports 17% of the global Scarlet Tanager population during breeding season and provides critical habitat in mature oak forests across the Commonwealth. By establishing this official designation, the bill aims to promote awareness of the bird's habitat needs and underscore the state's commitment to conservation and forest management. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Oct 3, 2025

SB 1023: An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in game or wildlife protection, further providing for unlawful activities; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for disabled person permits.

This bill restricts the use of bait to attract game wildlife during hunting, banning artificial or natural bait except for specific exceptions. It creates a new permit allowing disabled hunters to use bait on private land with landowner permission, while requiring a 200-yard buffer zone for non-permitted hunters and a 30-day waiting period after bait removal. The law maintains existing exemptions for farming, forestry, and industrial activities but prohibits baiting in ways not authorized by wildlife regulations. These changes apply to hunting regulations under Pennsylvania’s wildlife code, directly affecting hunters, landowners, and disabled hunters seeking specialized permits.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry Wildlife

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 27, 2025

HB 347: An Act providing for the leasing of subsurface rights on State forest and park property for oil and natural gas development; establishing a restricted account within the Oil and Gas Lease Fund; making an appropriation; and abrogating an executive order and other orders and administrative policies.

HB 347 allows oil and gas companies to lease subsurface rights beneath Pennsylvania's state forests and parks for drilling, provided the drilling originates outside these areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) must review applications, with disapproval possible for environmental violations or projects causing significant harm, and companies can appeal denials to court. All lease revenue goes into the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, with upfront payments specifically directed to a restricted account funding stream maintenance and clearing projects. The bill also cancels prior executive orders and policies restricting such leasing on state lands.

Topics ✓ Energy ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Conservation Forestry Parks & Recreation

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Dec 16, 2025

HB 1379: An Act amending the act of June 28, 1995 (P.L.89, No.18), known as the Conservation and Natural Resources Act, in Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, further providing for forests and establishing the Forest Fire Warden Fund.

HB 1379 creates a dedicated "Forest Fire Warden Fund" within the Pennsylvania state treasury to reimburse local forest fire wardens for approved activities. The bill establishes that funds from this new account will cover expenses related to controlled burns, fire investigations, public safety events, training, and mutual aid requests made to emergency management agencies. It directly affects local forest fire wardens and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources by providing a clear funding mechanism for their operational costs. This procedural change streamlines reimbursement processes under the existing Conservation and Natural Resources Act without altering forest management policies.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 1, 2025

HB 1686: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in oil and gas wells, further providing for definitions and for Oil and Gas Lease Fund and providing for Public Natural Resources Trust Fund.

HB 1686 creates the Public Natural Resources Trust Fund to receive excess oil and gas royalties (over $70 million annually) starting in the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It increases annual transfers from the Oil and Gas Lease Fund to the Environmental Stewardship Fund from $20 million to $35 million while continuing $15 million for the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund. The Trust Fund will allocate 57% of funds for state park/forest projects and community recreation, and 43% for environmental cleanup and farmland preservation, with disbursements only when the fund balance exceeds $700 million. This bill directly affects oil and gas lease revenue streams, state environmental agencies, and conservation programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Parks & Recreation

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 24, 2025

SB 879: An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in game or wildlife protection, providing for unlawful release of certain balloons.

SB 879 makes it unlawful in Pennsylvania to release helium-filled balloons (non-biodegradable or non-photodegradable) that could harm wildlife, livestock, or pets, directly affecting event organizers, businesses, and individuals who release such balloons. Exceptions include educational/research releases by institutions, hot air balloons recovered after launch, religious ceremonies with permits, and biodegradable balloons. Violators face a $5 civil penalty per balloon paid into the Game Fund, and the state must post notices online and install weather-resistant signs at state park/forest entrances. The law aims to protect wildlife from balloon hazards while allowing specific permitted uses.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry Parks & Recreation Wildlife

All environment bills

HB 2316: An Act designating the Scarlet Tanager as the official migratory bird of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

HB 1379: An Act amending the act of June 28, 1995 (P.L.89, No.18), known as the Conservation and Natural Resources Act, in Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, further providing for forests and establishing the Forest Fire Warden Fund.

HB 1686: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in oil and gas wells, further providing for definitions and for Oil and Gas Lease Fund and providing for Public Natural Resources Trust Fund.

SB 879: An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in game or wildlife protection, providing for unlawful release of certain balloons.