Legislation
This section features pending state or federal legislation likely to affect the local environment.
Federal
- S 2337 — Plastic Pellets Free Waters Act — Federal legislation to prohibit plastics manufacturers from discharging plastic pellets (nurdles) into rivers and streams.
Pennsylvania
- HB 1740 — provides for transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050. In House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee
- HB 1032 — provides grants to schools to install solar panels. Passed PA House 134-69. In Senate
- SB 143 — prohibits local municipalities from restricting or barring clean energy services. Passed PA Senate 140-9. In House Local Government Committee.
- SB 422 — establishes a renewable energy transition task force. In Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
- HB 1842 — provides for community solar projects and grants. In Committee on Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities. Passed House 111-90 — 03-27-24.
- HB 1823 – increases penalties for violating clean drinking water act. In House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
- SB 691 — Renames Department of Environmental Protection as Department of Environmental Resources. Has passed Senate 28-22. In House committee.
- HB 652 – Would add an additional layer of public hearings on projects in environmental justice areas (like Chester) so citizens can have more of a say. Out of House environmental committee but tabled and recommitted twice to Rules Committee.
- SB 199 – A Republican bill that wants to speed up the permitting process for construction projects. Passed the Senate 28-22 and is now in House committee.
- SB 211 – provides for regulations governing the decommissioning of solar energy facilities. Passed Senate 36-`13. In various House committees.
- HB 919 — Allows for natural organic reduction burial. Introduced 3-27-24
- HB 1172 — Allows for alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) of bodies. Laid on table 03-18-24