PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB718

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB718

Introduced
3/27/23  
Refer
3/27/23  
Refer
6/6/23  
Report Pass
6/7/23  
Engrossed
6/7/23  

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB 718 would significantly alter existing state laws concerning hazardous waste management. It establishes a more structured approach to managing hazardous and municipal waste. The department will be authorized to create regulations that could facilitate the processing of waste, ensuring that these methods do not pose risks to public health or the environment. This bill also emphasizes the need for rigorous monitoring processes for waste, further detailing the responses required in the event of noncompliance with existing regulations.

Summary

House Bill 718 primarily focuses on amending the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act to enhance the powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill provides the department with authority to manage funds for closing, maintaining, or monitoring abandoned hazardous waste sites and to encourage the beneficial use or processing of municipal and residual waste. It mandates that if federal funding programs are inadequate, the department must propose a state fund supported by surcharges from users of hazardous waste facilities, aiming to prevent environmental pollution and manage waste more effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 718 appears generally supportive among proponents who believe the bill will lead to better waste management practices and transparency in operations dealing with hazardous materials. Advocates argue that providing adequate resources for the management of abandoned sites is vital for protecting communities and ensuring environmental health. However, there may be concerns from opposition groups who fear that increasing regulatory power could lead to overreach, potentially stifling local governance and community input in waste management processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 718 include discussions on whether the increased authority granted to the Department of Environmental Protection may limit local municipalities' role in managing their waste issues. Some stakeholders argue that while effective waste management is crucial, it must not come at the expense of local control. The bill may face challenges from community members and local governments concerned about the balance of power and the implications of state-level decisions affecting local waste management strategies.

Latest PA HB718 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB718

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB586

In general provisions, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of the 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 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 SB763

In general provisions, further providing for definitions and for powers and duties of the department; in applications and permits, further providing for permits and licenses required, transition scheme and reporting requirements and providing for requirements for animal processing residuals and food processing residuals, for requirements for the storage, transfer and transport of animal processing residuals and food processing residuals by commercial brokers and commercial haulers, for preemption of local ordinances and for mitigation; abrogating regulations; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1035

In general provisions, further providing for definitions.

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 HB574

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 SB28

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in applications and permits, further providing for permit and license application requirements; and making a repeal.

PA SB454

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in applications and permits, further providing for permit and license application requirements; and making a repeal.

PA HB914

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; providing for drill cuttings; and abrogating regulations.

PA SB29

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in residual waste, further providing for disposal, processing and storage of residual waste and providing for exempt special wastes; and making an editorial change.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.