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

Stormwater Management: House Bill 88 (Steil-R-Bucks) authorizing certain counties and municipalities to develop stormwater management plans was reported from House Appropriations, amended and passed by the House.

"As we know, storm water does not follow municipal boundaries," said Rep. Steil. "Comprehensive storm water plans, especially in counties with urbanized areas, are becoming more and more necessary for public safety. My bill gives a county, or counties, the option to develop and participate in such plans."

NewsClip: Bill Allows Stormwater Tax

Project Hold Harmless: House Bill 86 (Steil-R-Bucks) providing for a hold harmless on Corps of Engineers projects was passed by the House.

Downtown Revitalization: House Bill 965 (Hickernell-R-Lancaster) expanding the definition of downtown area in the Main Street Program and House Bill 218 (Reed-R-Indiana) redefining “downtown area” both passed the House.

Emissions Inspection: An amendment to House Bill 489 by Rep. Casorio (D-

Westmoreland) to put a moratorium on the vehicle emissions inspection program was defeated by a vote of 127 to 68. A vote last year on the same amendment was defeated 140 to 60.

Appliance Energy Standards: House Bill 1461 (McIlhinney-R-Chester) providing energy efficiency standards for certain appliances was referred to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

Water/Sewer Shutoffs: House Bill 893 (Semmel-R-Berks) changing procedures for shutting off water and sewage services was reported from House Consumer Affairs Committee.

Waste Tires: House Bill 1114 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) further providing for the cleanup of waste tires was referred to House Appropriations.

Farmland Preservation: House Bill 619 (Hershey-R-Chester) expands the state Farmland Preservation Program to land used for boarding, training or riding horses reported from Senate Agriculture Committee as amended.

Used Computer Donations: House Bill 472 (Reichley-R-Berks) providing a tax credit for the donation of used computer equipment was reported out of the House Finance Committee.

Scenic Byway: Senate Bill 721 (Lemmond-R-Luzerne) designating a portion of State Rout 6 in Wyoming County a scenic byway was reported from Senate Transportation Committee.

Bills Introduced

ACRE Farm Project Review Proposal: House Bill 1646 (Hershey-R-Chester) establishing an Agricultural Review Board for certain agricultural projects.

Oldest Garden Club: House Resolution 336 (Major-R-Susquehanna) Honoring the 100^th anniversary of the Garden Club of Montrose, the oldest existing garden club in the Commonwealth.

6/12/2005