Bill > HB109

This bill establishes a new framework for environmental justice in Pennsylvania, focusing on protecting low-income and minority communities from disproportionate environmental degradation. The legislation requires the Department of Environmental Protection to designate "environmental justice areas" based on pollution burden and vulnerable population demographics, and to update these designations every three years. For facilities located in these areas seeking permits—such as industrial wastewater plants, air pollution sources, waste processing facilities, mining operations, and large energy or sewage treatment facilities—the bill mandates a more rigorous permit process. Applicants must now submit a comprehensive cumulative environmental impact report, participate in a public hearing in the affected community, and allow for meaningful public input. The department gains expanded authority to add conditions to permits, require additional mitigation measures, or even deny permit applications based on potential cumulative environmental impacts. The bill emphasizes transparency by requiring the department to publish all permits and related guidance documents online and to notify local municipalities about permit applications. Underlying the legislation is a recognition that environmental health is directly linked to economic vitality and that all Pennsylvanians have a constitutional right to a clean and healthy environment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=109