The Senate and House plan to consider several environmental bills this week. Here’s the rundown…

On the House Calendar: Senate Bill 940 (Waugh-R-York), which would set aside up to $200,000 per year from the Agricultural Conservation Easement Purchase Fund to reimburse Land Trusts for expenses incurred in acquiring agricultural conservation easements

In the Senate, the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider House Bill 1902 to indefinitely extend the $2 Recycling Fee. Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango) intends to offer an amendment to extend the current sunset date for the fee from 2009 to 2012; the Senate Rules Committee meets to consider House Resolution 795 designating December 19 as “Coal Miner’s Day;” and the State Government Committee meets to consider House Bill 854 establishing the Terrorism Infrastructure Disclosure Protection Act prohibiting the release of certain infrastructure records and House Bill 236 requiring the review of regulations for their impact on small business.

On the Senate Calendar: Senate Bill 1209 (Waugh-R-York) establishing the Healthy Farms & Healthy Schools Program.

Senate/House Actions

Healthy Farms: Senate Bill 1209 (Waugh-R-York) establishing the Healthy Farms & Healthy Schools Program was amended to clarify that charter schools are eligible for the program and reported from Senate Appropriations Committee.

Agricultural Easements: Senate Bill 1107 (Corman-R-Centre) making changes to the Agricultural Area Security Law was reported from Senate Appropriations.

Bills Introduced

Solar Tax Credit: Senate Bill 1325 (Erickson-R-Delaware) authorizing a 25 percent tax credit for the purchase and installation of solar energy units.

Conservation District Reform: Senate Bill 1323 (Wonderling-R-Montgomery) updating the 1945 Conservation District law.

9/22/2006