Environment

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 2161: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in service and facilities, providing for tree removal agreements.

HB 2161 requires public utilities in Pennsylvania to offer municipalities a written agreement before removing trees owned by cities or townships for service needs. If accepted, the utility must plant replacement trees within two years, using a specific method: measuring the removed tree’s size at breast height, halving that value, and planting that many two-inch replacement trees. Municipalities can also choose to accept a fee equal to the tree’s assessed value from a certified arborist instead of requiring new planting. This bill directly affects public utilities (like power or gas companies) and local governments that own trees along utility infrastructure.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires utilities to replace removed trees with specific planting method, promoting urban tree conservation and offsetting environmental impact.90% confidence

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Dec 18, 2025

HB 2089: An Act amending the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), known as the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in Uniform Construction Code, further providing for adoption by regulations.

HB 2089 requires new nonresidential buildings in Pennsylvania to include electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure based on building type and size. For example, retail facilities with 25-500 parking spaces must provide 2% Level 1 and 1% Level 2 charging spaces, while offices with the same size need 4% Level 1 and 1% Level 2. At least 50% of required spaces must have functional charging equipment upon occupancy, with the remainder prewired for future installation. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry must issue implementing regulations within 180 days of the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires EV charging infrastructure in new buildings, promoting electric vehicle adoption and supporting clean energy infrastructure development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates EV charging infrastructure in new buildings, promoting electric vehicle adoption and reducing transportation emissions, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates EV charging infrastructure in buildings, promoting electric vehicle technology adoption and clean energy infrastructure expansion.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates EV charging infrastructure in new nonresidential buildings, directly promoting sustainable transportation adoption and infrastructure development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Dec 22, 2025

SB 1120: An Act amending Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in enforcement and remedies, establishing a private right of action.

SB 1120 allows individuals or groups directly harmed by oil and gas violations to sue companies or the state agency (the Department of Environmental Protection) directly, instead of waiting for the state to act. It creates a "private right of action" under Pennsylvania's oil and gas laws, enabling people to file civil lawsuits to enforce compliance with regulations, permits, or standards. However, if the state is already actively suing a violator, individuals cannot file their own lawsuit but may join the state's case without posting bond. The bill affects residents, landowners, or environmental groups near oil/gas operations who suffer harm from noncompliance. It does not change existing legal rights or preempt emergency response rules for well control.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates private right of action to enforce oil and gas regulations, strengthening environmental compliance and holding violators accountable.90% confidence

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Dec 9, 2025

HB 2065: An Act amending the act of March 1, 1974 (P.L.90, No.24), known as the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act of 1973, providing for prohibited pesticides.

HB 2065 amends Pennsylvania's pesticide law to prohibit the use of paraquat (identified by CAS number 4685-14-7 and related chemicals like methyl viologen) for any agricultural or pest control purposes within the state. This directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and pesticide applicators who currently use paraquat-based products. The bill explicitly bans its application, defines paraquat through specific chemical identifiers, and states that all conflicting regulations are superseded. The prohibition takes effect one year after the bill's enactment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans paraquat, a harmful pesticide linked to environmental and health risks, directly reducing chemical pollution and protecting ecosystems per Pennsylvania's pesticide control law.95% confidence

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 26, 2026

HB 2159: An Act amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for decommissioning and repurposing of warehouses.

HB 2159 requires property owners of new warehouses to submit decommissioning plans and financial assurances before construction. It mandates decommissioning within 18 months after a warehouse ceases operation, with financial assurances increasing over time (10% at construction start, 30% at 5 years, 50% at 10 years). Property owners may instead pursue a department-approved repurposing plan to extend timelines, which must detail the new use, schedule, and future obligations. The Department of Community and Economic Development oversees compliance with these requirements for warehouses defined as large storage facilities under Pennsylvania law.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates decommissioning plans and increasing financial assurances for warehouses, preventing environmental hazards from abandoned structures and ensuring cleanup funds are available post-operation.95% confidence

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 23, 2026

HB 2184: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in powers and duties, providing for public interest; and, in rates and distribution systems, further providing for rates to be just and reasonable, for voluntary changes in rates and for rates fixed on complaint and investigation of costs of production.

HB 2184 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to define "public interest" and require the Public Utility Commission (PUC) to consider eight specific factors when making utility decisions. These factors include residential rate affordability, energy strategy (renewables, distributed generation, energy efficiency), grid modernization, environmental protection, economic growth (jobs, tax revenue), reliability, and environmental justice. The bill updates existing provisions about "just and reasonable" rates (Section 1301), mandatory 60-day notice for rate changes (Section 1308), and complaint-based rate investigations (Section 1309). It directly affects all utility companies operating in Pennsylvania and the PUC, which must now document how decisions align with these public interest factors. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly requires PUC to consider tax revenue as a factor in utility decisions, aligning with fiscal responsibility under Budget & Taxes.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates PUC to consider renewables, energy efficiency, and environmental protection as key factors in utility decisions, directly advancing clean energy policies.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly requires PUC to consider 'environmental protection' as one of eight mandatory factors in utility decisions, alongside renewables and energy efficiency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Electric Grid Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation Environmental Justice

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Dec 22, 2025

SB 1121: An Act amending the act of July 7, 1980 (P.L.380, No.97), known as the Solid Waste Management Act, in enforcement and remedies, further providing for right of citizen to intervene in proceedings.

SB 1121 amends Pennsylvania's Solid Waste Management Act (1980) to clarify that citizens can join legal actions enforcing waste regulations without needing to post a bond. This change directly affects Pennsylvania residents concerned about violations of waste management laws, allowing them to participate in court cases without financial barriers. The bill modifies Section 615 of the Act to explicitly state that citizens with environmental concerns may intervene in enforcement proceedings under sections 604 or 605. It does not alter the types of cases citizens can pursue, only streamlining their ability to join existing legal actions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRemoves financial barrier for citizens to enforce waste regulations, strengthening environmental protection under Solid Waste Management Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Waste Management

Track

passed · Pennsylvania · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 2150: An Act providing for annual reporting of energy consumption and water consumption by data centers; and imposing a penalty.

HB 2150 requires data centers in Pennsylvania to annually report their energy and water usage, including monthly consumption, energy sources, water sources, efficiency measures, and waste heat recovery, starting July 1, 2027. Data centers must submit detailed reports to the Department of Environmental Protection, covering specifics like peak energy use, water for cooling, and future projections. Non-compliant data centers face daily penalties of $10,000 until reports are submitted, with collected fines funding low-income energy assistance programs. The Department will publish an annual summary of consumption trends and environmental impacts for public and legislative review.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates annual energy/water reporting with efficiency measures and waste heat recovery requirements, directly advancing energy efficiency standards for data centers.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates data center energy/water reporting and efficiency measures, promoting resource conservation and reducing environmental impact under DEP oversight.90% confidence

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 9, 2026

SB 1087: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in liquid fuels and fuels tax, further providing for electric vehicle road user charge.

SB 1087 creates a mileage-based road user charge for electric vehicles (EVs) in Pennsylvania, replacing the current gas tax for EVs. It specifically exempts military personnel on active duty stationed outside Pennsylvania from this charge during their overseas assignment. The bill also establishes a refund process for EV owners who qualify for the military exemption, allowing them to apply for reimbursement of charges paid during their eligible overseas duty period. This policy directly affects EV owners who are military members stationed out of state, adjusting their tax obligations based on residency during service.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill replaces gas tax with mileage-based charge for EVs to maintain road funding revenue, promoting fiscal responsibility in transportation infrastructure financing.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReplaces gas tax disincentive for EVs with mileage charge, promoting cleaner transportation adoption and aligning with environmental goals.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationReplaces gas tax with mileage-based charge for EVs to fund road infrastructure, ensuring continued transportation funding as EV adoption grows.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts active-duty military on overseas assignment from EV road user charge and provides refund process, directly benefiting veterans with financial relief.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Transportation Funding Vehicle Registration

Track

passed · Pennsylvania · House May 7, 2026

HB 2076: An Act providing for geothermal energy development; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; promulgating regulations; establishing the Geothermal Energy Development Fund; and imposing penalties.

HB 2076 establishes a regulatory framework for geothermal energy development in Pennsylvania, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create rules for project approvals, environmental safeguards, and well operations. The bill creates a Geothermal Energy Development Fund to support industry growth and imposes civil penalties for violations of the new regulations. It directly affects geothermal developers (who must comply with DEP rules) and the DEP (which must implement the regulations). Key provisions include defining geothermal resources, setting standards for well operations, and ensuring environmental protections for projects.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes Geothermal Energy Development Fund to support industry growth and creates regulatory framework for geothermal development, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and production.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes geothermal energy development with DEP environmental safeguards and a fund, advancing clean energy goals while requiring environmental protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

Track