Bill > HB574

This bill amends the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act to address emerging environmental and public health concerns, particularly around per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The bill expands the definition of "hazardous substance" to explicitly include specific PFAS chemicals and provides a mechanism for the department to designate additional chemical substances as hazardous. It grants the Governor authority to declare a municipality a "special drinking water resource-impacted community" if hazardous substances are discovered or PFAS chemicals are present above certain thresholds. The bill requires public water suppliers in affected municipalities to conduct testing and report monthly and 12-month average contaminant levels, which the department must then make publicly accessible online. Additionally, the legislation provides financial support through PENNVEST grants of up to $1,000,000 per impacted water supply source to help communities address water contamination, including treatment, water line extensions, and alternative water supply procurement. The bill also protects municipalities and water suppliers from being automatically considered responsible parties for PFAS contamination under certain circumstances, recognizing that the presence of these chemicals might be due to the inherent characteristics of water sources. The legislation aims to improve transparency, testing, and response mechanisms for emerging environmental contaminants, with provisions taking effect 60 days after passage.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=574