Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB708

Introduced
2/24/25  

Caption

Further providing for powers and duties of department.

Impact

This legislative proposal is significant as it aims to centralize and fortify the state's enforcement capabilities regarding drinking water safety. By adopting this bill, Pennsylvania would improve its methods for ensuring compliance with both state and federal regulations concerning public water supply. It places a strong emphasis on monitoring, recordkeeping, and proper engineering of public water systems to deliver safe drinking water, which is essential for protecting community health and safety.

Summary

House Bill 708 is a legislative measure that amends the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act, enhancing the powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources regarding the enforcement of drinking water standards. The bill aims to establish a more robust public water supply program, which includes provisions for maximum contaminant levels, monitoring protocols, and construction requirements for public water systems to ensure compliance with federal standards. This amendment is intended to streamline the regulatory framework and reinforce the state’s role in safeguarding public health through the protection of drinking water quality.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 708 appears to be largely favorable among proponents who advocate for stronger state intervention in environmental protection. Supporters argue that by enhancing the Department's powers, the bill would effectively reduce the risk of water quality violations and facilitate a more systematic approach to managing public health concerns. However, there may be apprehensions from certain groups about the implications of regulatory authority, particularly regarding local compliance capabilities and the potential for increased state oversight.

Contention

Potential points of contention may arise from concerns over the balance of power between state and local authorities in terms of water management. While the aim is to enhance regulatory compliance, there may be criticisms regarding the delegation of responsibilities to local health departments and the adequacy of funding for these initiatives. Furthermore, the implications of increased enforcement actions and potential penalties for non-compliance could also spark debate about how to best support local communities in meeting these standards.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB546

Further providing for powers and duties of department.

PA HB603

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 HB718

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

PA HB1020

In departmental powers and duties as to supervision, providing for Keystone STARS Program; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for fees, providing for Keystone STARS Program and further providing for definition.

PA SB1090

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

PA HB207

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

PA SB280

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

PA HB2393

In general provisions, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of 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 HB597

In powers and duties, further providing for powers and duties of counties.

PA HB1600

In children and youth, further providing for availability of services, providing for purposes, further providing for payments to counties for services to children, for review of county submissions and for statistics and assistance for research, providing for ensuring safe and humane institutional practices and further providing for study of delinquents and recommendations to courts; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for refusal to issue license, revocation and notice.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.