PA Environment Digest

Fiscal Code: House Bill 1300 making changes to the Fiscal Code to implement the state budget agreement [House Fiscal Note & Summary]. Signed into law as Act 34. Read more here.

Administrative Code: Senate Bill 941. Signed into law as Act 66.

Tax Code: Senate Bill 815 [House Fiscal Note & Summary]. Signed into law as Act 64.

Education Code: House Bill 301 [House Fiscal Note & Summary] - Signed into law as Act 33

Senate, House Bills Moving Last Week

The following environmental and energy bills saw movement last week--

House

Cryptocurrency Operation Reporting: House Bill 1476 (Vitali-D-Delaware) reporting cryptocurrency operation energy and water use to DEP and providing for an impact study was removed from the Table, amended with a minor change, referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee and passed by the House 102 to 101. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.

Ag Easement Funding For Land Trusts: House Bill 1777 (Brennan-D-Bucks) earmarking a portion of Agricultural Conservation Easement funding for land trusts was referred into and out of the House Appropriations Committee [House Fiscal Note & Summary] and passed by the House 155 to 48. The bill now goes to the Senate for action.

Agrivoltaic Farming Study: House Resolution 224 (Rabb-D-Philadelphia) directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and establish an advisory committee to review and analyze the opportunities for benefits of agrivoltaic farming systems was adopted by the House 102 to 101.

Alternative Fueled Vehicle Fees: Senate Bill 656 (Rothman-R-Cumberland) setting annual fee for electric and alternative fueled vehicles was reported out of the House Transportation Committee and was referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

Electric School Bus Transition: House Bill 1542 (Markosek-D- Allegheny) establish a grant program to help school districts transition to electric school buses (sponsor summary) was amended and reported out of the House Education Committee and Tabled.

Tax Value Of Mineral Deposits: Senate Bill 654 (Bartolotta-R-Washington) changing the valuation of mines, oil and gas and other mineral deposits for tax purposes was reported from the House Finance Committee and referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

Local Stormwater Fees: House Bill 31 (Struzzi-R-Indiana) authorizing local stormwater management fees in Boroughs and House Bill 32 (Struzzi-R-Indiana) authorizing local stormwater management fees in Townships of First Class were reported out of the House Local Government Committee and Tabled.

Senate

Nominations: Paul Bruder and Mary Anne Wesdock were confirmed by the full Senate as judges on the Environmental Hearing Board. Read more here.

Independent Energy Office: Senate Bill 832 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) would establish the Independent Energy Information Office to provide “impartial, timely and data driven analysis to guide the state in determining and meeting future energy needs” modeled on the current Independent Fiscal Office was amended and reported out of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Increasing Penalties for Scattering Rubbish: House Bill 95 (Bullock-D-Philadelphia) increasing penalties for scattering rubbish was reported out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Bill Calendars

House (January 2): House Resolution 196 (Matzie-D-Beaver) designating the week of September 18-24 Rail Safety Week; House Resolution 228 (Otten-D-Chester) designating the week of October 1 through 7, 2023, as "Climate Week" in Pennsylvania. <> Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (January 2): Senate Bill 265 (Laughlin-R-Erie) amending the Sewage Facilities Act to allow garage floor drains to discharge into on-lot septic systems; Senate Bill 831 (Yaw-R- Lycoming) would direct the state to apply for primary authority to regulate Class VI carbon dioxide underground injection wells from the US Environmental Protection Agency and establish a legal and regulatory framework for potential carbon dioxide capture, utilization and sequestration in Pennsylvania; House Bill 95 (Bullock-D- Philadelphia) increasing penalties for scattering rubbish <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meetings

House

January 17-- House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee hearing on House Bill 1077 (Matzie-D-Beaver) reauthorization of Chapter 14 water, gas, electric customers billing and shut-off requirements. Room 140 Main Capitol. 10:00 a.m. Click Here to watch online.

<> Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate

<> Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

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

January 2, 16, 17

February 5, 6, 7

Budget Hearings: February 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29; and March 5, 6, 7

Click Here for Senate Agency Budget Hearing Schedule.

March 18, 19, 20

April 8, 9, 10, 29, 30

May 1, 6, 7, 8

June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30

House