Environment

HB 159 amends Pennsylvania law to strengthen penalties for illegally transporting, selling, importing, or releasing nonnative fish and wildlife. It directly affects individuals, businesses, or organizations handling nonnative species, including pet trade sellers, anglers, and conservation groups. The bill increases misdemeanor penalties: violations involving non-native fish become third-degree misdemeanors for negligence or first-degree for intentional acts, while violations with endangered/threatened species escalate to second-degree (negligent/intentional) misdemeanors. It clarifies that each animal, egg, or fish involved in a violation counts as a separate offense, intensifying consequences for repeated or large-scale violations. The changes aim to better protect Pennsylvania's ecosystems and native species from invasive threats.

HB 362 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to authorize the Energy Development Authority to administer federal funds from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 for the Solar for All Program. It directs the Authority to distribute funds for residential solar installations, storage, and upgrades to qualifying households across all Pennsylvania counties, prioritizing rural, suburban, and urban communities. The bill specifically prohibits using funds for solar panels or parts made with forced labor (defined as work performed under threat of penalty without voluntary consent) and requires the Public Utility Commission to protect non-participating ratepayers from cross-subsidization. This creates a clear administrative framework for implementing the federal program while adding labor and ratepayer safeguards.