The following bills of interest saw action last week in the House and Senate--

House

Limits On Enforcing Easements: House Bill 2724 (Oberlander-R-Clarion) would limit the ability of any group, other than the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources from enforcing conservation easements (House summary) was reported from the House Appropriations Committee and passed the House-- Republicans supporting, Democrats opposing.  The bill now goes to the Senate for action.

Vehicle Emissions Program Limits: Senate Bill 745 (Stefano-R-Fayette) would limit PennDOT’s current vehicle emission inspection programs which would require DEP to reduce pollution from other business and industrial sources of air pollution was defeated on final passage 105 to 96.  The bill remains on the House Calendar.

Energy Awareness Month  House Resolution 1018 (MacKenzie-R-Lehigh) recognizing October as Energy Awareness Month (sponsor summary) was adopted by the House.

Hydrogen Fuel Day: House Resolution 1022 (Schroeder-R-Bucks) designating October 8 as National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Day (sponsor summary) was adopted by the House.

Game Commission Anniversary: House Resolution 1061 (Mehaffie-R-Dauphin) recognizing the 125th anniversary of the Game Commission (sponsor summary) was adopted by the House..

DCNR Anniversary: House Resolution 1064 (Wentling-R-Mercer) recognizing the 25th anniversary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (sponsor summary) was adopted by the House.

Senate

Electric Vehicle Weight Limits: Senate Bill 845 (Langerholc-R-Bedford) would increase allowable weight for electric powered vehicles (Senate summary) was passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for action.

‘Look But Don’t Touch’ Pipeline Emergency Plans:  House Bill 2293 (Quinn-R-Delaware) requires natural gas liquids pipeline operator to make emergency response plans available to PUC, PEMA and county emergency management directors in “high consequence area” (Senate summary) was reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now on the House Calendar for action.

Plastics ‘Recycling:”  House Bill 1808 (Mackenzie-R-Lehigh) further provides for the recycling of plastics by making it into fuel [Read more here] was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Act 2 Liability Exemption For Land Banks: House Bill 1737 (A.Davis-D-Allegheny) providing Act 2 lender environmental liability exemption for land banks (House summary) was Tabled pursuant to Rule 9.

10/26/2020