Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB664

Introduced
2/20/25  

Caption

In special provisions affecting local authorities, providing for Road Salt Management Best Practices Guide.

Impact

If passed, HB 664 would amend the existing State Highway Law, introducing guidelines for road salt usage that could influence local governance in relation to environmental protection. The regulations will require local authorities to implement standards that address the storage, application, and disposal of road salt, with the intention of safeguarding water bodies and ecosystems from contamination. This change is seen as a crucial step in promoting public health and environmental sustainability, especially in regions that frequently use road salt on highways during winter months.

Summary

House Bill 664 focuses on the establishment of a Road Salt Management Best Practices Guide aimed at minimizing the environmental impacts of road salt runoff, particularly during winter maintenance activities. The bill mandates the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, to develop this guide within a year of its enactment. The practices outlined will help local jurisdictions and the Commonwealth reduce the adverse effects of road salt on the environment, especially in areas particularly vulnerable to runoff.

Sentiment

General sentiment around the bill appears to align with environmental protection advocates who view it as a positive move towards addressing a significant source of pollution. Supporters argue that establishing formalized practices through the proposed guide will aid local jurisdictions in effectively managing road salt use while ensuring safety on highways. However, some critics may express concerns about the potential regulatory burden it places on local authorities and the need for resources to implement these practices adequately.

Contention

Despite the overall support for environmental measures, discussions around HB 664 may highlight tensions regarding local authority versus state regulation. Some local officials may fear that the guide does not account for specific regional needs or conditions and might hinder their flexibility in managing winter maintenance. The debate may also touch upon the costs of compliance, as local governments could require additional funding and training to adhere to the new standards set forth in the bill.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2147

Providing for storm water management; and, in municipal authorities, further providing for definitions and for purposes and powers.

PA HB699

Updating and expanding the storm water planning requirements to be undertaken by counties; authorizing counties to regulate storm water within a watershed-based planning area; authorizing the formation of water resources management authorities; enabling counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities to develop integrated water resources management plans; imposing duties and conferring powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities; providing for financing and for waiver of use for certain grant or loan funds; establishing the Integrated Water Resources Management Account; and making repeals.

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.

PA SB420

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for speed timing devices; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities.

PA HB1732

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.

PA HB2145

Providing for Legionnaires' disease risk management; and imposing penalties.

PA HB32

Providing for storm water management plans and facilities.

PA HB782

In subdivision and land development, providing for potentially impacted municipalities and further providing for approval of plats and for completion of improvements or guarantee thereof prerequisite to final plat approval; providing for developments of regional significance and impact; and, in zoning hearing board and other administrative proceedings, further providing for jurisdiction.

PA HB880

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in financial responsibility, providing for utility terrain vehicles; in special vehicles and pedestrians, providing for operation of utility terrain vehicles; in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for off-road vehicles in urban municipalities; and imposing penalties.

PA HB2408

Providing for geologic sequestration and establishing the Geologic Sequestration Special Revenue Account.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.