Bills on open space preservation, adopting a state clean car program and a resolution urging Congress to reauthorize federal funding for abandoned mine reclamation were just some of the highlights of legislative activity this week. Here’s a rundown.

Open Space Preservation: House Bill 87 (Steil-R-Bucks) further authorizing local governments to preserve open space through the waiver of certain service fees. The bill was not amended by the Senate so it goes to the Governor for his action.

Senate

Federal Mine Reclamation Funding: House Resolution 382 urging Congress to reauthorize the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Fund was amended by the Senate and adopted and now goes back to the House for a concurrence vote.

Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy: Senate Resolution 207 urging DEP to place a nine month moratorium on implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Tributary Strategy was reported from the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

State Clean Car Program: Senate Bill 1025 (MJ White-R-Venango) would establish a Pennsylvania Clean Car Program by adopting federal Tier II standards was reported from the Senate Transportation Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action. Senators Costa (D-Allegheny) and Tartaglione (D-Philadelphia) were the only votes against reporting the bill out. NewsClip: Panel Adopts PA Clean Car Program

Waste Tire Recycling: The Senate Appropriations Committee reported out House Bill 1114 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) expanding waste tire recycling program and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Water Shutoff: House Bill 893 (Semmel-R-Berks) changing procedures for shutting off water for nonpayment of sewage bills was referred to Senate Appropriations Committee.

House

Eminent Domain: Senate Bill 881 and Senate Bill 897 making changes to the Eminent Domain Code in response to Kelo were referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

1/27/2006