Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2249

Introduced

2/25/26

Refer

2/25/26

Caption

In general provisions, further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of the department and for powers and duties of the Environmental Quality Board.

Impact

If passed, HB2249 will amend existing provisions, allowing for a clearer delineation of the responsibilities held by the department and the Environmental Quality Board. This change is intended to improve responsiveness and accountability within the state's environmental governance framework. By specifying the powers and duties, the bill could potentially lead to enhanced enforcement actions and better management of environmental resources.

Summary

House Bill 2249 seeks to provide further definitions regarding the powers and duties of the department concerned with environmental issues and the Environmental Quality Board. By clarifying these roles, the bill aims to streamline operations and enhance the efficiency of the department in carrying out its responsibilities related to environmental quality management. This improvement is essential for ensuring that the state can effectively oversee compliance with environmental standards and regulations.

Contention

The discussion surrounding HB2249 indicates that there is a need for clarity in environmental laws reflecting the complexities of current regulations. While some stakeholders might support the amendments for their potential efficiency gains, others may express concerns about the implications of such changes on local governance and community-level environmental initiatives. The tension between state and local agency oversight remains a crucial point of contention.

Notable_points

One of the notable aspects of HB2249 is the focus on establishing a comprehensive framework for environmental policy implementation. Stakeholders are encouraged to voice their opinions on how much power should be vested in the department versus local entities. This balance could have significant implications for the future conduct of environmental oversight responsibilities.

Latest PA HB2249 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB2249

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2229

In general provisions, further providing for powers and duties of the department.

PA HB574

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions and providing for disaster emergency declaration and for testing requirement, duty to report and public access; in powers and duties, further providing for powers and duties of department; and, in liability and settlement procedures, further providing for responsible person.

PA HB586

In general provisions, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of the department; in applications and permits, further providing for permits and licenses required, transition scheme and reporting requirements and providing for food processing residuals; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1415

Further providing for powers and duties of Environmental Quality Board.

PA HB1035

In general provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA SB681

In administrative organization, further providing for departmental administrative boards, commiss ions, and offices; in organization of departmental administrative boards and commissions and of advisory boards and commissions, further providing for advisory boards and commissions and repealing provisions relating to Environmental Quality Board; in powers and duties of the Department of Agriculture and its departmental administrative commission, further providing for seasonal farm labor; in powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources, its officers and departmental and advisory boards and commissions, further providing for Environmental Quality Board and for powers of Environmental Quality Board.

PA SB685

Further providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Protection and for civil penalties.

PA HB1187

Further providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Protection and for civil penalties.

PA HB958

Further providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources; and making editorial changes.

PA HB759

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; and, in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.