In renaming Department of Environmental Resources and defining rulemaking authority of Department of Environmental Protection, repealing provisions relating to Department of Environmental Protection and providing for Department of Environmental Services; and making editorial changes.
Impact
If passed, SB682 will have implications for both state laws and operational protocols within the environmental sector. The bill will formally transfer the powers and duties that were held by the former Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Environmental Services, ensuring continuity in services and regulatory functions. Existing licenses, contracts, and official actions will remain valid, thus minimizing disruption. The transition plan includes provisions for the gradual adoption of the new name in official documents and signage, showcasing a structured approach to this rebranding effort.
Summary
Senate Bill 682 aims to rename the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to the Department of Environmental Services, while also defining the rulemaking authority of the new department. The bill entails the repeal of specific sections within the existing law to ensure a seamless transition and to clarify the responsibilities and functions of the renamed department. This restructuring is intended to enhance the efficiency of environmental services provided by the state, integrating previous functions seamlessly into the newly named agency.
Sentiment
General sentiment around SB682 appears pragmatic, focusing on operational efficiency and clarity within state departments. Supporters argue that this rebranding is a necessary step that reflects a modern approach to environmental governance, fostering better public understanding and engagement. However, some stakeholders may express concerns about the implications of renaming and rebranding, particularly regarding how these changes may affect departmental focus or priority areas in environmental protection.
Contention
Notably, the bill has faced little opposition, as the desire to streamline governmental functions and improve environmental services is a shared goal among many legislators. Nonetheless, debates may arise concerning specific environmental policies and how they are enforced under the new department structure. Future discussions may also include questions about funding and resource allocation, as the transition leads to a reassessment of operational needs within the newly named agency. Thus, while generally positive, the bill’s passage will still require careful oversight to ensure it meets the intended operational goals.
In renaming Department of Environmental Resources and defining rulemaking authority of Department of Environmental Protection, repealing provisions relating to Department of Environmental Protection and providing for Department of Environmental Services; and making editorial changes.
In powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources, its officers and departmental and advisory boards and commissions, providing for Office of Environmental Justice.
In powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources, its officers and departmental and advisory boards and commissions, providing for Office of Environmental Justice.
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 an erosion and sediment control permit, for compliance, for an annual report and for duties of the Department of Environmental Protection.
In renaming Department of Environmental Resources and defining rulemaking authority of Department of Environmental Protection, repealing provisions relating to Department of Environmental Protection and providing for Department of Environmental Services; and making editorial changes.
In renaming Department of Environmental Resources and defining rulemaking authority of Department of Environmental Protection, repealing provisions relating to Department of Environmental Protection and providing for Department of Environmental Services; and making editorial changes.
In Energy Development Authority and emergency powers, further providing for definitions and for Energy Development Authority; providing for Energy Development and Electric Generation Permit Review Program, for Accelerated Energy Development and Electric Generation Permit Review Program and for Pennsylvania Opportunities with Energy Reliability Authority Regulatory Waiver Program; and making editorial changes.
In administrative organization, further providing for departmental administrative boards, commissions, 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.
Authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Department of General Services to lease certain submerged lands within Erie County and associated wind, water and solar resources for the assessment, development, construction and operation of utility scale offshore wind, solar or kinetic energy generation facilities; providing for collection of certain lease and royalty payments; establishing the Lake Erie Large-Scale Energy System Development Fund; and providing for distributions and transfers from the fund.