Rep. Seth Grove (R-York) Wednesday introduced House Bill 2115 designed to undo the Act 13 drilling law court decision eliminating the preemption preventing local governments from regulating the drilling industry under the Environmental Rights Amendment, Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

“Currently, businesses who are required to have environmental permits are hindered by state and local government environmental rules and regulatory standards which are inconsistent and ambiguous,” said Rep. Grove in his co-sponsor memo to House members.  “These multiple rules create difficulties and obstacles for businesses to perform their work while complying with different rules.

“The legislation I will be introducing will enable DEP to enforce clear, consistent, and transparent set of environmental rules and regulations throughout the permitting process. These rules and regulations will preempt all local ordinances,” said Rep. Grove. “By enabling businesses to comply with a single set of rules and regulations will help to create an open, consistent, and compliant working environment between government and businesses.”

The bill was referred to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee for consideration.

Rep. Ron Miller (R-York) serves as Majority Chair and Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) serves as Minority Chair.

3/24/2014