Environment

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 2671: An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation.

This Pennsylvania bill expands rules against hunting and trapping by explicitly banning the use of devices that involve beating game or wildlife. It also strengthens license penalties by allowing officials to revoke hunting or trapping privileges for specific serious violations, including the new beating prohibition, hunting while intoxicated, entering safety zones, damaging property, shooting at people, and failing to assist after an incident. Additionally, the law permits license revocation for individuals convicted of aggravated cruelty to animals in Pennsylvania or similar offenses in other states. The commission retains the authority to set the specific duration for any license revocations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens wildlife conservation by banning cruel hunting methods and increasing penalties for violations, thereby protecting natural resources.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 2, 2026

HB 2588: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in zoning, further providing for ordinance provisions.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to restrict where large data centers can be built. It specifically prohibits municipalities from allowing hyperscale data centers, which cover more than five acres, in areas designated for agriculture unless they are allowed in every district within that community. Additionally, the law bans data centers on agricultural land if at least half of the property consists of prime agricultural soil or land rated as fourth class by the USDA. Local governments will need to update their zoning ordinances to comply with these new definitions and restrictions on data center development.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill restricts data center construction on agricultural land, limiting potential energy infrastructure development and opposing expansion of energy-intensive facilities.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill protects prime agricultural soil and restricts large data centers on farmland, preserving natural resources and reducing potential environmental degradation.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill restricts where large data centers can be built, limiting infrastructure expansion and potentially hindering technology growth.90% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 17, 2026

HB 2614: An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for medical devices.

This bill creates a new chapter in Pennsylvania law to regulate medical devices by banning specific toxic chemicals known as ortho-phthalates, with a primary focus on DEHP. The legislation targets manufacturers of intravenous solution containers and tubing, which currently use these chemicals to make plastic flexible. By prohibiting the intentional addition of these substances, the bill aims to prevent the chemicals from leaching into patient fluids and reducing the effectiveness of cancer treatments. The law is based on findings that these compounds can act as endocrine disruptors, potentially harming reproductive health and contributing to drug resistance in cancer cells.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill bans toxic chemicals (ortho-phthalates) in medical devices to prevent leaching into patient fluids, reducing pollution and protecting environmental health.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill bans toxic chemicals in medical devices to prevent patient harm and protect health services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Women's Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 1359: An Act imposing a Statewide moratorium on hyperscale data center development and permitting; and providing for enforcement.

This bill imposes a three-year statewide ban on approving or building new hyperscale data centers in Pennsylvania. It directly affects large-scale data facilities by halting permits for any new construction, expansions that would create hyperscale centers, and the necessary power or transmission infrastructure required to support them. The law defines hyperscale data centers as facilities with significant electricity demand, ranging from one megawatt to twenty megawatts depending on the local grid size, and prohibits state and local governments from issuing any related approvals during the moratorium period.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill imposes a moratorium on hyperscale data centers, restricting energy infrastructure development and limiting demand for power generation.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill restricts data center development, which limits renewable energy adoption and clean tech growth, potentially weakening environmental progress.75% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill imposes a moratorium on hyperscale data centers, restricting infrastructure development and limiting technology expansion.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Transmission

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 16, 2026

HB 2642: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in nuisances, further providing for the offense of scattering rubbish.

This bill updates Pennsylvania law to make it a crime to scatter various types of waste, including paper, grass clippings, glass, and other rubbish, onto roads, public lands, or into waterways. It directly affects anyone who deposits these materials in public spaces or on private property without permission. The legislation clarifies the specific items considered illegal to scatter and establishes the legal offense for doing so. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating new offenses for littering, increasing the scope of criminal justice involvement.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill criminalizes littering to reduce pollution and protect public lands and waterways.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Lands

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 2660: An Act amending Title 3 (Agriculture) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Agriculture-Linked Investment Program, further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for general authority of commission and for Agriculture-Linked Investment Program.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Agriculture-Linked Investment Program to provide farmers with access to affordable, low-interest capital. The program is designed to encourage the adoption of conservation measures that improve soil health, protect water quality, and reduce farm odors. To qualify for these loans, eligible borrowers must develop and implement approved plans for managing nutrients, manure, or soil erosion. The legislation also includes updated definitions for key terms like "beginning farmer" and "best management practices" to clarify who can participate and what actions are required.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds conservation measures to improve soil health, protect water quality, and reduce farm odors.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality Tags Agriculture

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SR 347: A Resolution designating July 18, 2026, as "Piping Plover Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution officially designates July 18, 2026, as "Piping Plover Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the recovery of the endangered piping plover population. The measure directly affects residents and visitors of the state, particularly those who attend the annual Piping Plover Festival held at Presque Isle State Park. By setting aside a specific date for celebration, the bill aims to raise public awareness about the bird's conservation success and the collaborative efforts involved in its habitat restoration. This symbolic action recognizes the milestone of the species' tenth consecutive nesting season in the state after being absent for over 60 years.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill designates a day to honor the recovery of an endangered species, promoting conservation awareness and celebrating environmental success.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SR 333: A Resolution designating the week of June 7 through 13, 2026, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates the week of June 7 through 13, 2026, as "Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure encourages residents to hold events and educational programs to highlight the bay's importance as a source of drinking water, recreation, and economic activity. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the watershed's ecological and historical significance.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes environmental awareness of the Chesapeake Bay, highlighting its ecological significance and encouraging educational programs to protect the watershed.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 2617: An Act amending the act of October 22, 2014 (P.L.2611, No.165), known as the State Agency Green Technology Implementation Act, further providing for the title of the act, for short title, for legislative intent, for definitions and for authority of Secretary of General Services.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's State Agency Green Technology Implementation Act to broaden the scope of technologies that state agencies can test, specifically adding "emerging" and "cost-reductive" options alongside existing energy-efficient ones. The legislation grants the Secretary of General Services the authority to approve pilot programs for new technologies that meet high-performance building standards and have been independently certified or previously used by another state government. By requiring proof of energy savings and independent assessments for cost-reduction projects, the bill aims to ensure that state agencies only adopt solutions that are validated for their effectiveness before wider implementation.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill expands state agency authority to test emerging and cost-reductive green technologies, advancing energy efficiency and clean tech adoption.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill expands green technology testing to include emerging and cost-reductive options, promoting energy efficiency and environmental protection.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill expands state agency authority to test emerging and cost-reductive green technologies, directly advancing technology adoption.90% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2651: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in comprehensive plan, further providing for preparation of comprehensive plan; in subdivision and land development, further providing for contents of subdivision and land development ordinance; in zoning, further providing for ordinance provisions; and providing for renewable energy siting standards.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to update definitions and requirements for local zoning, subdivision, and land development. It specifically establishes new definitions for renewable energy facilities, including solar and wind systems with a minimum capacity of two megawatts, as well as energy storage and combined generation facilities. The legislation requires local comprehensive plans to include protections for natural resources and agricultural operations while allowing local ordinances to set specific rules for reviewing and processing renewable energy projects. Additionally, the bill mandates that review fees for renewable energy facilities be handled according to a separate section of the code, ensuring a structured approach to siting and permitting these developments.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes definitions and siting standards for renewable energy facilities, advancing clean energy infrastructure.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes renewable energy definitions and requires comprehensive plans to protect natural resources and agriculture.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Renewable Energy Solar

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