This bill amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to officially include linear generators in the state's list of alternative energy sources. It defines linear generators as systems that convert linear motion directly into electricity without flames or sparks, capable of operating on various fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, and biogas. By adding this technology to the "Tier I" category, the legislation ensures that electricity produced by these generators counts toward the renewable energy goals set for electric distribution and supply companies. The changes apply to existing and future energy production methods and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.
This bill updates Pennsylvania's transportation laws to establish specific rules for selecting projects funded by the Multimodal Fund. It requires the Department of Transportation to award grants competitively without reserving a fixed percentage of money for any single applicant before the application process is finished. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the department give priority to projects using recycled materials, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement and recycled asphalt shingles. These changes aim to ensure fair competition while encouraging the use of sustainable building materials in state-funded infrastructure projects.
This bill requires electric distribution companies in Pennsylvania to submit evidence showing how they plan to use advanced transmission technologies when applying to build new power lines. Under the new rules, proposed projects will only be approved if the commission determines that feasible and cost-effective technologies are used to achieve at least two specific goals, such as avoiding new construction, increasing system capacity, or reducing environmental impacts. The legislation also allows companies to recover any extra costs associated with these upgrades through approved tariffs and defines specific technologies like dynamic line rating and high-performance conductors.
This bill requires Pennsylvania electric distribution companies to build a combined 3,000 megawatts of energy storage systems by July 2033, with specific targets for short-duration and long-duration storage. The Public Utility Commission will assign storage goals to each company based on their service area's demand and may adjust these targets if market conditions change. Companies must use open, competitive bidding processes overseen by an independent monitor to purchase this capacity through long-term contracts.
HB 2442 amends Pennsylvania's Safe Drinking Water Act to allow the Department of Agriculture to issue temporary operating licenses to applicants seeking retail food facility permits. To qualify, applicants must prove they have submitted a complete public water system permit application and provide certified lab tests showing their water system meets federal standards. The temporary license remains valid only while the permit application is pending and automatically expires if the permit is issued, denied, or if the applicant fails to submit required compliance tests every six months.
This bill updates Pennsylvania's tax incentives for computer data centers by adding new requirements for owners and operators seeking tax refunds or exemptions. To qualify, facilities must submit detailed applications including investment projections and signed affirmations from authorized executives. Additionally, the legislation mandates that certified data centers obtain an environmental certification, such as LEED Silver or Energy Star, within two years of receiving their initial certification.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to require developers to prove adequate water supply before approving new subdivisions or land developments. Specifically, it mandates that applicants provide evidence showing water will be supplied by a certified public utility, a cooperative association of lot owners, or a municipal entity, rather than relying solely on private wells. The legislation applies to all municipalities and planning agencies handling land development applications and must be submitted prior to final approval. This change ensures that new communities have access to reliable, regulated water sources as part of the standard development review process.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Covered Device Recycling Act to update definitions and strengthen recycling requirements for manufacturers and retailers. It clarifies which electronics count as covered devices, such as computers, smartphones, and printers, while explicitly excluding items like landline phones and devices built into other appliances. The legislation also introduces a sales prohibition mechanism, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to maintain a list of non-compliant brands that cannot be sold in the state. Additionally, the bill mandates stricter registration, reporting, and enforcement duties for companies involved in the sale of covered devices.
Senate Resolution 262 is a commemorative measure that formally recognizes the 56th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2026, within Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the history of the event and encourages residents to participate in environmental protection efforts aligned with the 2026 theme, 'Our Power, Our Planet.' This document does not create new laws or alter policies but serves to acknowledge the date and promote public awareness of environmental stewardship.
HB 2360 creates the Chesapeake Bay Grant-Only Compliance Program to help Pennsylvania municipalities meet environmental rules for stormwater and the Chesapeake Bay without charging property owners fees. The bill prohibits local governments from levying charges to comply with these requirements and preempts any existing rules that allow such fees, while directing the Department of Environmental Protection to offer grants funded by federal, state, or other sources to cover compliance costs. Additionally, the state cannot enforce these environmental requirements against a local government unless there is enough grant money available to pay for 100% of the compliance expenses.
