Establishing the Coal and Clay Mine Subsidence and Landslide Insurance and Assistance Program within the Department of Environmental Protection; providing for related powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Protection; establishing and providing for the powers and duties of the Coal and Clay Mine Subsidence and Landslide Insurance Board; providing for duties of the Auditor General; establishing the Coal and Clay Mine Subsidence and Landslide Insurance Fund and the Coal and Clay Mine Subsidence and Landslide Assistance Fund; imposing a penalty; making appropriations and transfers; and making a repeal.
Impact
The bill effectively replaces the existing Anthracite and Bituminous Coal Mine Subsidence Fund Act, aiming to centralize and streamline insurance provisions in response to subsidence and landslide events. By creating a new Coal and Clay Mine Subsidence and Landslide Insurance Fund, along with a corresponding Assistance Fund, it intends to ensure that resources are readily available for mitigation and recovery efforts. The Department of Environmental Protection is tasked with the administration of these funds, including setting premium rates and providing financial assistance for communities addressing these environmental risks. This comprehensive approach is intended to enhance the resilience of communities at risk.
Summary
House Bill 2089 establishes the Coal and Clay Mine Subsidence and Landslide Insurance and Assistance Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Its primary goal is to provide insurance coverage for damages incurred by structures due to coal and clay mine subsidence and landslides. This initiative is critical, particularly for communities in southwestern Pennsylvania, which have traditionally faced significant challenges related to these geological events. The program aims to create sustainability through insurance provisions, thereby offering a safety net for affected residents and property owners.
Sentiment
General sentiment towards HB 2089 appears to be supportive, particularly among residents of regions historically affected by subsidence and landslide issues. Advocates highlight the necessity of a structured insurance framework to mitigate damages and provide timely assistance. However, concerns regarding the management and sustainability of the funds, along with the adequacy of insurance coverage amounts, have been raised. Doubts exist about whether the premiums set for the insurance will be affordable for residents and businesses, given the financial impact of potential geological damages.
Contention
A notable point of contention lies in balancing the affordability of premiums with the need to maintain a robust fund capable of covering potential claims. Additionally, the definition and scope of landslide risk, as well as the criteria for disbursement from the assistance fund, may lead to debates regarding eligibility and the sufficiency of support for impacted communities. The bill's implementation may also spark conversations about the role and responsibility of both state and local governments in addressing subsidence and landslide damages effectively.
Establishing the Landslide Insurance Program; establishing and providing for the powers and duties of the Landslide Insurance Board; providing for duties of the Auditor General; imposing a penalty; and making appropriations and transfers.
Establishing the Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Program and the Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Fund; establishing and providing for the powers and duties of the Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Board; providing for duties of the Auditor General; imposing a penalty; and making transfers.
Establishing the Municipal and Emergency Responder Solar Grant Program; and providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Protection.
Establishing the Municipal and Emergency Responder Solar Grant Program; and providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Protection.
Establishing the Landslide Insurance Program; establishing and providing for the powers and duties of the Landslide Insurance Board; providing for duties of the Auditor General; imposing a penalty; and making appropriations and transfers.
Establishing the Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Program and the Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Fund; establishing and providing for the powers and duties of the Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Board; providing for duties of the Auditor General; imposing a penalty; and making transfers.