Providing for public health; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection relating to lead levels in soil; and imposing penalties.
Impact
If enacted, HB580 would have significant implications for Pennsylvania's environmental health regulations. It would enforce stricter standards for lead levels, holding individuals and organizations accountable for violations with varying penalties for repeated offenses. Moreover, the bill empowers the Department of Environmental Protection to take corrective actions, including ceasing operations at non-compliant sites. This could enhance public safety measures, especially in communities where children play and learn, thus potentially reducing health risks associated with lead exposure.
Summary
House Bill 580 aims to address public health issues related to lead contamination in soil, particularly in areas frequented by children, such as playgrounds. The bill mandates the Department of Environmental Protection to enforce specific lead level thresholds and outlines detailed methodologies for the abatement and cleanup of contaminated sites. Specifically, the bill prohibits lead levels in playground soil from exceeding 200 parts per million and in surrounding yard soil from exceeding 1,200 parts per million, recognizing the health risks posed by elevated lead exposure.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB580 appears supportive, particularly among health advocates and environmental groups who emphasize the importance of reducing lead exposure for children. However, there may be concerns from property owners and certain business interests regarding the compliance costs and implications of the regulations. The general consensus highlights the necessity of addressing lead contamination proactively to safeguard public health while balancing economic impacts.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the bill's enforcement mechanisms and the financial burden it may impose on municipalities and private property owners tasked with remediation. Critics may argue about the potential economic impacts and the feasibility of compliance, especially for smaller entities. Additionally, discussions may arise regarding the adequacy of the proposed lead levels and the effectiveness of the abatement strategies, stressing the need for practical solutions that address both health and economic considerations.
Providing for healthy outdoor public grounds; and imposing duties on the Department of Health, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture.
Providing for microfiber filtration protection; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Quality Board; and imposing penalties.
Providing for consumer protection and prohibiting the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in certain products; imposing powers and duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; and imposing penalties.
Providing for portable battery stewardship and establishing requirements for Battery Stewardship Plans; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; and imposing penalties.
Providing for public health protections related to hydraulic fracturing infrastructure; imposing duties on Department of Health and Department of Environmental Protection; and establishing the Oil and Natural Gas Public Health Registry Fund.
Providing for electronic waste recycling; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; establishing the Advisory Committee on Electronic Waste Recycling; and imposing penalties.
Providing for electronic waste recycling; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; establishing the Advisory Committee on Electronic Waste Recycling; and imposing penalties.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Report To The Legislature On The Number Of Public School Playgrounds That Include Playground Equipment Accessible To Students With Physical, Intellectual, Or Developmental Disabilities.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Report To The Legislature On The Number Of Public School Playgrounds That Include Playground Equipment Accessible To Students With Physical, Intellectual, Or Developmental Disabilities.
Appropriates $101,696,535 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for local government open space acquisition and park development projects; and for certain administrative expenses.