The information you need to follow legislation in the House and Senate- starting with articles and NewsClips from last week--

-- Sen. Gene Yaw’s Response To Philadelphia Inquirer On RGGI Carbon Pollution Reduction Editorial

-- Sen. Comitta, Rep. Herrin To Discuss Rebuilding PA’s Energy Infrastructure, Helping Communities Transition To Clean Energy In July 28 Webinar  [PaEN]

-- TribLive: Rep. Matzie Asks State To Turn Down Request To Draw Water From Big Sewickley Creek For Fracking

Bill Calendars

House (September 27): House Bill 591 (Zimmerman-R-Lancaster) providing for exemptions for NPDES water quality permits;  House Bill 763 (B-Miller-R-Lancaster) would require PennDOT to develop a list of native vegetation species that can be used in roadside work that is done throughout the state. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (September 20): Senate Bill 284 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) would load up renewable energy projects, energy efficiency products and high-efficiency  locomotives with bonds to prevent their development.  Read more here; Senate Bill 435-- encouraging the development of clean transportation infrastructure to support electric, natural gas and hydrogen vehicles; Senate Bill 545 (Yaw-R- Lycoming) changes the definition of what constitutes reportable water pollution under the state Clean Streams Law. Read more here; Senate Bill 597 (Stefano-R- Fayette) would impose conflicting and expensive requirements on small water and wastewater systems for no benefit to their customers and if they can’t comply they would come under the regulation of the Public Utility Commission Read more here; Senate Bill 717 (Bartolotta-R-Washington) create a new stand for review of DEP permit actions that narrows the grounds for appeals by citizen groups and companies. Read more here; Senate Bill 718 (Bartolotta-R-Washington) shorten the terms of a judge on the Environmental Hearing Board from six to five years. Read more here. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meetings

House   

-- July 27-- House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meeting on letter to urge the Independent Regulatory Review Commission to disapprove the Carbon Pollution Reduction Program covering power plants [RGGI].  Room G-50 Irvis Building.  9:00 a.m.  Click Here to watch live.  Read more here.

-- July 28-- House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meeting on cybersecurity in the PJM electricity grid region.  Room G-50 Irvis Building.  10:00 a.m.  Click Here to watch live.

<>  Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate

-- August 24-- Center for Rural Pennsylvania public hearing on invasive species in rural Pennsylvania.  10:00 a.m.  Click Here to register to attend online.

 <>  Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Introduced

RGGI Funds Investment Program: House Bill 1565 (Herrin-D-Chester) providing for the investment of funds generated by the Carbon Pollution Reduction Program covering power plants (RGGI) (sponsor summary).

Bills Pending In Key Committees

Check the PA Environmental Council Bill Tracker for the status and updates on pending state legislation and regulations that affect environmental and conservation efforts in Pennsylvania.

Session Schedule

Here is the latest voting session schedule for the Senate and House--

Senate

September 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29

October 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27

November 15, 16, 17

December 13, 14, 15

House 

September 27, 28, 29

October 4, 5, 6, 25, 26, 27

November 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17

December 13, 14, 15

7/26/2021