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.
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.
This bill updates Pennsylvania's Agriculture-Linked Investment Program to provide farmers with access to affordable, low-interest capital. The program is designed to encourage the adoption of conservation measures that improve soil health, protect water quality, and reduce farm odors. To qualify for these loans, eligible borrowers must develop and implement approved plans for managing nutrients, manure, or soil erosion. The legislation also includes updated definitions for key terms like "beginning farmer" and "best management practices" to clarify who can participate and what actions are required.
This Senate Resolution designates the week of June 7 through 13, 2026, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure encourages residents to hold events and educational programs to highlight the bay's importance as a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic activity. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the watershed's ecological and historical significance.
HB 2442 amends Pennsylvania's Safe Drinking Water Act to allow the Department of Agriculture to issue temporary operating licenses to applicants seeking retail food facility permits. To qualify, applicants must prove they have submitted a complete public water system permit application and provide certified lab tests showing their water system meets federal standards. The temporary license remains valid only while the permit application is pending and automatically expires if the permit is issued, denied, or if the applicant fails to submit required compliance tests every six months.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to require developers to prove adequate water supply before approving new subdivisions or land developments. Specifically, it mandates that applicants provide evidence showing water will be supplied by a certified public utility, a cooperative association of lot owners, or a municipal entity, rather than relying solely on private wells. The legislation applies to all municipalities and planning agencies handling land development applications and must be submitted prior to final approval. This change ensures that new communities have access to reliable, regulated water sources as part of the standard development review process.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law to allow specific residential construction sites to request a waiver for certain stormwater discharge permits. It directly affects developers building on land between one and three acres that causes significant ground disturbance. Under the new provision, these sites could apply to bypass standard National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirements if they meet specific federal criteria. The change aims to streamline regulatory processes for medium-sized construction projects while maintaining oversight through a formal waiver application process. The law will become effective 60 days after its passage.
HB 2360 creates the Chesapeake Bay Grant-Only Compliance Program to help Pennsylvania municipalities meet environmental rules for stormwater and the Chesapeake Bay without charging property owners fees. The bill prohibits local governments from levying charges to comply with these requirements and preempts any existing rules that allow such fees, while directing the Department of Environmental Protection to offer grants funded by federal, state, or other sources to cover compliance costs. Additionally, the state cannot enforce these environmental requirements against a local government unless there is enough grant money available to pay for 100% of the compliance expenses.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law to allow construction sites disturbing between one and two acres to request a waiver for certain stormwater discharge permits. By referencing existing federal regulations, the legislation provides a formal mechanism for these smaller projects to bypass specific state permitting requirements. The change directly affects developers and landowners managing medium-sized construction projects, streamlining the regulatory process for them. The law takes effect 60 days after being passed.
Senate Bill 1337 modifies the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Act to clarify how the state funds water quality projects. The bill specifically allows financial assistance for projects that align with the state's Nonpoint Source Management Program but explicitly prohibits using these funds to refinance existing projects. To support these changes, the legislation removes several outdated regulations that previously defined eligible costs and funding limits. The bill takes effect 60 days after being signed into law.
