Pennsylvania House Bill HB1821

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/8/23
• Refer: 11/8/23

Caption

In procedure and enforcement, further providing for summary proceedings.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1821 will have significant implications for Pennsylvania’s approach to regulating water quality. By giving the Attorney General the power to begin summary proceedings, the bill seeks to enhance the state’s capacity to address and deter violations regarding water pollution. This could lead to a more proactive stance on environmental protections, aiming to ensure public health and preserve aquatic life by strengthening the legal framework governing water safety. Moreover, it potentially simplifies the enforcement process, allowing for quicker resolutions to pollution cases.

Summary

House Bill 1821 amends the Clean Streams Law previously enacted in Pennsylvania. Its primary focus is on the procedures for summary proceedings related to violations regarding the discharge of sewage and industrial waste. The bill aims to provide clarity on the jurisdiction and enforcement of laws concerning water pollution in Pennsylvania, granting the Office of the Attorney General the authority to initiate summary proceedings for such violations. This amendment is intended to streamline the legal process for addressing water pollution issues, making state-level enforcement more effective and efficient.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1821 appears to be generally positive among environmental advocates and regulatory bodies who see it as a necessary improvement to Pennsylvania's legal framework for handling water pollution. Supporters argue that the clarity and efficiency brought about by this amendment will help combat the ongoing challenges related to water quality in various regions of the state. However, there could also be some apprehension among industries that may be affected by stricter regulations, leading to a cautious approach towards the bill.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1821 revolve around the balance of power between local and state authorities in regulating environmental issues. While supporters advocate for centralized enforcement to address pollution effectively, critics may raise concerns about the implications for local jurisdictions, particularly in how they manage their own environmental policies. The amendment's reliance on state-level enforcement might lead to debates about whether it undermines local control, which is already a prevalent theme in discussions surrounding environmental legislation.