Environment

HB 1089 restricts the sale and application of sealants containing high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), harmful chemicals linked to health and environmental risks, primarily affecting manufacturers, contractors, and businesses selling these products. It establishes a Safer Sealant Fund to support the development of safer alternatives, requires the Department of Environmental Protection to enforce compliance, and allows municipalities to adopt stricter local rules. Violations of the restrictions incur penalties, with the bill aiming to reduce exposure to PAHs through regulatory and financial mechanisms.

HB 789 amends Pennsylvania's Property Assessed Clean Energy Program to include electric vehicle charging infrastructure as a qualifying project for financing. It defines "electric vehicle charging infrastructure project" as equipment for charging electric vehicles and expands the program to cover such installations alongside energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation projects on commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties. The bill requires local governments to notify the Department of Revenue upon project completion, providing details and property owner contact information to ensure proper tax collection for electric vehicle charging. This update aims to streamline financing access for clean energy improvements while clarifying administrative requirements for local and state agencies.

HB 109 creates a new permit review process for specific industrial facilities in Pennsylvania's designated "environmental justice areas" - communities with high pollution burdens and vulnerable populations (low-income, communities of color). It requires the Department of Environmental Protection to consider cumulative environmental and public health impacts when reviewing permits for facilities like large wastewater plants (50,000+ gal/day), major air polluters, waste sites (25+ tons/month), mining operations, and certain landfills. The bill mandates that permits in these areas must address disproportionate environmental impacts, as defined by demographic, economic, health, and environmental data. This directly affects developers and operators of industrial facilities seeking new or expanded permits in designated communities.