Pennsylvania House Bill HB20

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/23/23
• Refer: 3/23/23

Caption

Providing for registration of extraordinary water users; imposing a water resource fee; establishing the Water Use Fund; and providing for submission of a question to the electorate authorizing incurring of indebtedness for water-related environmental initiatives.

Impact

The passage of HB20 would likely lead to substantial changes in state water regulations, affecting both agricultural and industrial sectors that rely heavily on water resources. The bill proposes the creation of a Water Use Fund, which would be financed through the fees collected from registered extraordinary water users. This fund aims to support environmental measures aimed at preserving and protecting water quality and availability. Critics of the bill have raised concerns about how these fees might be structured and whether they would disproportionately burden certain sectors or consumers.

Summary

House Bill 20 (HB20) focuses on the management of water resources by establishing a registration system for extraordinary water users and introducing a water resource fee. The primary intention of this legislation is to create a sustainable framework for overseeing significant water usage and to generate funds that can be allocated to water-related environmental initiatives. By mandating registration, the bill seeks to enhance accountability among users who consume large amounts of water, thereby supporting effective resource allocation and conservation efforts in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB20 appears to be mixed, with strong support from environmental advocates who view the legislation as a necessary step toward sustainable water management. However, there is also resistance from certain industry groups and stakeholders who fear that the new regulations and fees could impose additional financial burdens on their operations. The discussions around the bill highlight the ongoing tension between environmental protection efforts and economic interests, with various stakeholders presenting differing viewpoints on the best approach to water resource management.

Contention

Key points of contention primarily revolve around how the bill defines 'extraordinary water users' and the implications of the associated registration and fees. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the equitable distribution of the fees and how the funds generated will be utilized. There are fears that without careful oversight, the bill could lead to misallocation of resources or ineffective environmental initiatives. The solution proposed by HB20 is considered vital, yet the debate continues over the balance between necessary regulation and the potential for unintended consequences.