Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB660

Introduced
4/28/25  

Caption

In development, further providing for definitions, for well reporting requirements and for hydraulic fracturing chemical disclosure requirements.

Impact

The proposed changes in SB 660 are expected to significantly impact how chemical disclosures are handled within the hydraulic fracturing sector in Pennsylvania. By mandating that operators provide clear information about the materials they use and explicitly declare the absence of harmful PFAS chemicals, the bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in the industry. This is particularly relevant as other states are also taking steps to regulate PFAS substances. However, the bill also contains provisions that allow for trade secrets to be withheld under certain circumstances, which raises potential concerns among public health advocates regarding the adequacy of information available to both the public and health professionals during emergencies.

Summary

Senate Bill 660 aims to amend Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to enhance regulations surrounding hydraulic fracturing, particularly in relation to well reporting requirements and disclosure of chemical products used in the process. One of the key updates introduced in this bill is the requirement for operators performing hydraulic fracturing to confirm that the chemical products they utilize do not contain intentionally added PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are known to pose environmental and health risks. This requirement reflects a growing concern over the safety and environmental impact of substances used in oil and gas extraction.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB 660 appears to be mixed, with various stakeholders expressing differing views on its potential effectiveness. Proponents of the bill, including environmental groups and public health advocates, generally support heightened transparency in chemical usage in hydraulic fracturing. They argue that the legislation will lead to safer practices and protect communities from harmful substances. On the other hand, some industry representatives express concern that strict disclosure requirements could inadvertently jeopardize trade secrets and competitive business practices, potentially leading to pushback against the bill.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding Bill 660 is the balance between the need for public health and environmental safety versus the protection of proprietary business information. The stipulations regarding reporting and disclosure might be seen as a burden by some within the oil and gas sector, creating tension between regulatory compliance and operational confidentiality. Additionally, as the bill progresses, it is likely to raise discussions about the broader implications for state environmental regulations and the oil and gas industry's relationship with regulatory authorities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB997

In development, further providing for definitions, for well reporting requirements and for hydraulic fracturing chemical disclosure requirements.

PA HB477

In development, further providing for hydraulic fracturing chemical disclosure requirements.

PA HB1943

In development, providing for downhole operation chemical disclosure.

PA HB367

In development, providing for hydraulic fracturing fluid tracer.

PA HB175

Providing for public health protections related to hydraulic fracturing infrastructure; imposing duties on Department of Health and Department of Environmental Protection; and establishing the Oil and Natural Gas Public Health Registry Fund.

PA HB1003

In development, further providing for well reporting requirements.

PA HB1115

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions, for reporting and for 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 HB1993

Further providing for title of act; in preliminary provisions, further providing for short title, for scope of act and for definitions and providing for regulations; in pharmacy audits, further providing for limitations; in registration, further providing for PBM and auditing entity registration; providing for pharmacy benefits manager contracts; in PBM cost transparency requirements, providing for PBM transparency report required, repealing provisions relating to regulations and providing for PSAO reporting requirements; in enforcements, further providing for scope of enforcement authority; providing for pharmacy services; and making repeals.

PA SB657

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in requirements and prohibitions, providing for Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for requests and for retention of records; in procedure, further providing for requests, for written requests, for electronic access, for creation of record, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for general rule and for extension of time; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for civil penalty and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

Similar Bills

PA SB997

In development, further providing for definitions, for well reporting requirements and for hydraulic fracturing chemical disclosure requirements.

LA HB178

Extends confidentiality to any proprietary or trade secret information submitted for economic development purposes

LA SB426

Extends confidentiality to any proprietary or trade secret information submitted for economic development purposes. (7/1/12)

PA HB1943

In development, providing for downhole operation chemical disclosure.

PA HB477

In development, further providing for hydraulic fracturing chemical disclosure requirements.

CA AB29

Pharmacy benefit managers.

LA SB133

Provides relative to documents submitted to the Louisiana State Fire Marshal. (8/1/18) (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)

HI SB1509

Relating To Prescription Drugs.