Here's a quick rundown on environmental bills moving in the Senate and House

Coal & Gas Coordination: House Bill 2804 (Hutchinson-R-Venango) which amends the Coal and Gas Resource Coordination Act by removing the requirement that a gas well must be located at least 330 feet from the boundary of the tract on which it is located. Also, removes the section of the Act relating to exceptions to the 330 foot requirement, since exceptions won't be required, was passed by the House and is now in the Senate.

Infrastructure Security Funding: The House passed House Bill 2861 (Rubley-R-Chester) which amends the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority Act to authorize PENNVEST to utilize money it receives to provide loans to cover the costs of security for projects associated with security costs and was sent to the Senate.

Fishing License Increase: The House passed House Bill 2155 (B.Smith-R-York) that would increase fishing and boating licenses and permits. The Senate Game and Fisheries Committee is set to consider this bill and House Bill 2326 (Gillespie-R-York) as vehicles for license increases.

Downtown Relocation Law: House Bill 970 (Reed-R-Indiana) which amends the Downtown Location Law by redefining "downtown area" as a geographically identifiable and contiguous business district within a town, city, village within a township, home rule municipality or borough, with a recognized sense of place and a distinct and identifiable pedestrian orientation based upon a rectilinear street grid pattern of development, with one or more central streets and intersecting cross streets, was reported from House Appropriations this week.

Current Voting Session Schedule (Subject to Change)

House – Nov. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 30 Senate – Nov. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 22, 23

General Assembly adjourns November 30, ending the session.

11/12/2004