The Senate and House are scheduled to be in voting session the next few days because of unresolved budget issues, so Calendars and Committee schedules are in a state of “flux.” Here’s what we know as of the close of business July 13…

House

Calendar: House Bill 1201 (George-D-Clearfield) making changes to Title 66 (Utility Code) consistent with Gov. Rendell’s Energy Independence Proposal, including the proposed system benefit charge; House Bill 1320 (Siptroth-D-Monroe) establishing a program within DEP for the disposal of home-generated medical sharps; House Bill 1649 (Barrar-R-Chester) requiring the fluoridation of public water supplies; House Resolution 112 (Mann-D-Lehigh) directing DEP to implement policies that encourage electronic waste recycling; House Resolution 122 (George-D-Clearfield) petitioning the President and Congress to increase funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program; House Resolution 268 (Rohrer-R-Berks) directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study Game Commission forestry and mineral development policies; House Resolution 180 (Yudichak-D-Luzerne) establishing a commission to study the Commonwealth’s fragmented system of local governments

Senate

Calendar: House Bill 1530 (Dermody-D-Allegheny) providing for electric supplier long term contracts was amended to narrow the focus to help major companies in Western Pennsylvania.

Committees: Rules Committee meets to consider House Bill 1295 (Hanna-D-Clinton) restoring the State System of Higher Education allocation from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund for fiscal year 2006-07 and including other budget implementing language for fiscal year 2007-08 and Senate Bill 97 (D.White-R-Indiana) was amended to add REAP farm conservation tax credit program to other tax credit programs being considered; Environmental Resources and Energy Committee meets to consider House Bill 1203 (Hornaman-D-Erie) making changes to the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act consistent with the Governor’s Energy Independence Initiative.

Bills Introduced

Several more environmental bills were introduced this week…

Coal Bed Methane: House Bill 1735 (Yewcic-D-Cambria) providing for the coordination of rights between coal and oil gas mineral interests and coal bed methane extractors.

Ballast Water: House Bill 1736 (M.O’Brien-D-Philadelphia) amending the Clean Streams Law regulating ballast water from vessels in Lake Erie.

7/13/2007