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

House/Senate Bills Moving

House 

Community Solar:  House Bill 1842 (Schweyer-D-Lehigh) authorizing a community solar program was reported out of the House Appropriations Committee [House Fiscal Note + Summary] and passed by the House 111-90.  The bill now goes to the Senate for action.

Mechanical Insulation: House Bill 491 (Young-D-Philadelphia) providing for energy efficiency plans that include mechanical insulation was removed from the Table and is now on the House Calendar for action.

Natural Reduction: House Bill 919 (Rabb-D-Philadelphia) establishing natural organic reduction as an option for human interment (sponsor memo) was reported out of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and re-referred to the House Commerce Committee.

Top 10 Stories On Harrisburg/PA Politics Last Week--

Because In Politics Everything Is Connected To Everything Else--

-- Top 10 Stories: Harrisburg/PA Politics Reported By Local News Media Last Week  [PaEN]

Bill Calendars

House (April 8): House Bill 491 (Young-D-Philadelphia) providing for energy efficiency plans that include mechanical insulation;  House Resolution 196 (Matzie-D-Beaver) designating the week of September 18-24, 2023 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 (April 8): Senate Bill 1058 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) abrogating the final regulation reducing carbon pollution from power plants [RGGI];  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; Senate Bill 832 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) establishing an Independent Energy Office; Senate Bill 819 (Yaw-R- Lycoming) increasing penalties for individuals that damage “critical infrastructure” being constructed or built, including electric utility, natural gas pipelines and compressor stations, gas processing plants, natural gas storage facilities;  House Bill 1246 (Malagari-D-Montgomery) set operational temperatures for crematories. <> Click Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committee Meetings

House

April 2-- House Democratic Policy Committee hearing on House Bill 905 (McNeill-D-Lehigh) providing notice of a property’s water usage increases by 50% in one month..  Lehigh Valley Health Network, 2545 Schoenersville Road, Bethlehem.  10:00 a.m. Click Here to watch online.

April 2-- House Republican Policy Committee hearing on Balancing Your Budget & Thermostat- Consumer- Focused Energy Policy. US Hotel Tavern, Liberty Hall, 401 S. Juniata St., Hollidaysburg, Blair County. 1:00 p.m.  Read more here on Republican Energy Package.

April 3-- House Republican Policy Committee hearing on Balancing Your Budget & Thermostat- Consumer- Focused Energy Policy. Butler County Community College - Ford City Campus, Armstrong County  10:00 a.m.   Read more here on Republican Energy Package.

<>  Click Here for full House Committee Schedule.

Senate

April 17-- Senate Democratic Policy Committee hearing on the environmental and public health impacts associated with the practice of spreading oil and gas drilling waste, known as brine, on Pennsylvania's roads for dust control and ice management.  Valley Township Building, 1145 W. Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, Chester County.  11:00 a.m.  Click Here to watch online.  Read more here about the issue.

<>  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--

House

April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 29, 30

May 1, 6, 7, 8, 20, 21, 22

June 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 

Senate

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

[Posted: March 31, 2024]

4/1/2024