Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1292

Introduced

6/1/23

Refer

6/1/23

Caption

In oil and gas wells, further providing for definitions and for Oil and Gas Lease Fund and providing for Public Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1292 will have significant implications for state laws governing the management of public resources. The establishment of the Public Natural Resources Trust Fund is designed to provide a structured approach to fund allocations, ensuring that financial resources are directed towards specific environmental and conservation projects, including watershed protection and farmland preservation. The legislation outlines strict guidelines for fund disbursement, particularly emphasizing that funds cannot be reallocated for maintenance expenses unless directly related to acid mine drainage projects. This ensures that the financial integrity of the trust fund is maintained, advocating for a clear separation from general appropriations.

Summary

House Bill 1292 aims to amend existing legislation regarding the financing and management of public resources in Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on oil and gas operations. The bill proposes the establishment of a Public Natural Resources Trust Fund, which will manage funds received from royalties and rents related to oil and gas leases. The intent is to streamline the allocation and usage of these funds, ensuring that they can be effectively used for public land conservation, recreation, and environmental protection initiatives. This trust fund is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of natural resources funds.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1292 appears to be cautiously optimistic among stakeholders focused on environmental protection and resource management. Proponents of the bill see it as a necessary step towards empowering the state to manage its natural resources more effectively and sustainably. However, some concern exists regarding the limitations imposed on fund usage and whether these could hinder necessary operational flexibility. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the proposed reporting and auditing requirements will be critical in determining the faith of the public and legislators in the fund's administration.

Contention

One notable area of contention involves potential disagreements over how tightly funds should be regulated and allocated, especially considering that these funds stem from the oil and gas sector, which often faces scrutiny. The allocation percentages outlined in the bill may become a point of debate, particularly concerning which projects receive funding priority. Environmental advocates may push for more substantial allocations towards conservation work, while industry representatives may argue for more leniency and broader definitions of acceptable fund usage to include operational infrastructure improvements related to oil and gas development.

Latest HB1292 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB88

In Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, providing for money collected from oil or gas leases under publicly owned streambeds.

PA HB2603

In Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, providing for money collected from oil or gas leases under publicly owned streambeds.

PA HB1162

In special funds, providing for Public Safety and Protection Fund; and, in general budget implementation, further providing for Motor License Fund.

PA SB448

Providing funding for DEP Office of Oil and Gas

PA SB524

In administrative provisions, providing for definitions, for coal-powered plants, for regulations, for natural gas and coal permit database, for natural gas and coal permit review procedure and for withdrawal from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; in development relating to oil and gas, further providing for well permits and providing for leases in State parks and forests; and making an editorial change.

PA SB15

Further providing for definitions, for fees and for disposition of fees, fines and civil penalties, providing for disposition of auction proceeds from CO2 Budget Trading Program, for clean air fund accounts, for the Energy Communities Trust Fund and for Environmental Justice Communities Trust Fund.

PA SB654

In sales and use tax, further providing for

PA SB1297

In purpose, short title and definitions, further providing for definitions and construction; in general powers of the board, providing for collection of premiums; in prices of milk, providing for board-established premiums and further providing for cooperatives; and, in moneys and expenses of board, further providing for Milk Marketing Fund and for payment and providing for audits.

PA SB689

PA HB1813

In preliminary provisions, further providing for findings and statement of purpose and definitions; in Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, further providing for forests and for parks, providing for preserves and further providing for community recreation and heritage conservation.