Environment (Parks & Recreation) in Pennsylvania

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 ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SR 347: A Resolution designating July 18, 2026, as "Piping Plover Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution officially designates July 18, 2026, as "Piping Plover Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the recovery of the endangered piping plover population. The measure directly affects residents and visitors of the state, particularly those who attend the annual Piping Plover Festival held at Presque Isle State Park. By setting aside a specific date for celebration, the bill aims to raise public awareness about the bird's conservation success and the collaborative efforts involved in its habitat restoration. This symbolic action recognizes the milestone of the species' tenth consecutive nesting season in the state after being absent for over 60 years.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 30, 2025

HB 553: An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority certain lands situate in the City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County; authorizing the transfer of an easement interest in lands for a portion of the Project 70 lands owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, known as Lake Winola Access, in Overfield Township, Wyoming County, to the Department of Transportation; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, to convey to Tioga County a tract of land, and to accept a tract of land from Tioga County, both tracts being located in Charleston Township, Tioga County; and authorizing the Department of General Services, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the approval of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Governor, to grant and convey to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, solely for the use of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, a parcel in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, in exchange for a tract partly in Nesquehoning Borough and partly in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, to be conveyed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting by and through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and added to Lehigh Gorge State Park.

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.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 954: An Act amending the act of October 9, 2008 (P.L.1511, No.124), known as the Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act, further providing for penalties.

HB 954 amends Pennsylvania's 2008 Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act to adjust penalties for violations. It increases fines for drivers or owners of heavy diesel vehicles (over 10,001 pounds gross weight) engaged in commerce, or operators of locations where such vehicles load, unload, or park, who violate idling restrictions. The bill sets a fine range of $150 to $300 per offense, plus court costs. This directly affects commercial truck drivers, delivery fleets, and businesses operating large diesel vehicles. The change modifies existing penalty levels without altering the idling ban itself.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation Freight

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 597: An Act providing for the Same-Day Work and Pay Pilot Program; providing for program and for program operation; imposing duties on the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; and establishing the Same-Day Work and Pay Account.

HB 597 establishes a one-year pilot program allowing Pennsylvania municipalities to hire underemployed and unemployed residents for daily community projects like park repairs and beautification. Participants would receive same-day pay for their work, with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources required to set eligibility rules, track data, and evaluate the program’s feasibility. The bill directs the department to report findings to the legislature after the pilot ends, without creating a permanent statewide program. It affects local governments and job seekers in participating communities, focusing on testing a temporary work model.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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 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