Bill > HB673

This bill establishes the Riparian Buffer Protection Act, which aims to protect and restore riparian buffers (the areas of land adjacent to water bodies) through comprehensive regulations. The bill defines riparian buffers as areas dominated by native vegetation that serve critical environmental functions like stabilizing stream banks, filtering pollutants, providing wildlife habitat, and reducing flood impacts. It prohibits land development within riparian buffer areas, with standard buffer widths of 100 feet on each side of a stream, which can be expanded up to 300 feet for high-quality water bodies or based on factors like slope and water body impairment. The bill allows for limited exemptions for activities like agricultural production, selective logging, and single-family home construction under strict conditions. Municipalities and the Department of Environmental Protection are granted authority to enforce these regulations, issue variances, conduct inspections, and impose penalties for violations, which can include civil fines up to $2,000 per day, potential criminal charges, and liability for restoration costs. The legislation provides a framework for municipalities to adopt local ordinances protecting riparian buffers while establishing state-level guidelines to ensure consistent environmental protection across Pennsylvania.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=673