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HB 2537

An Act amending the act of January 8, 1960 (1959 P.L.2119, No.787), known as the Air Pollution Control Act, further providing for penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gina Curry and 3 co-sponsors

HB 2537 amends penalties under PA's Air Pollution Control Act to strengthen enforcement and deter violations by raising or clarifying penalties for emissions.

Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection
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Bill Summary · HB 2537

Overview

HB 2537 (Session 2025-2026, Pennsylvania) amends the Air Pollution Control Act of January 8, 1960 (1959 P.L.2119, No. 787) to modify penalties related to air pollution violations. The bill is sponsored with several co-sponsors: Kyle Donahue, Gina Curry, Tarah Probst, and Jeanne McNeill.

Purpose and intent

  • To strengthen or clarify penalties under the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act for violations that affect air quality, public health, or the environment.
  • The bill aims to provide authorities with enhanced tools to deter, detect, and penalize noncompliance by facilities or individuals involved in emissions or other air-polluting activities.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends the act to adjust the framework for penalties. While the exact changes are not detailed in this summary, typical elements in such amendments may include:
    • Revisions to fines or assessments for violations.
    • Introduction of escalating penalties for repeat or aggravated violations.
    • Clarification of enforcement authority and remedies (e.g., civil penalties, injunctive relief, or compliance orders).
    • Expansions of coverage to additional emission sources or activities, or revisions to compliance timelines.
    • Provisions related to notice, hearing, and due process for alleged violations.
  • The bill would specify how penalties are calculated (e.g., per-day penalties, per-violation penalties, or penalties tied to emissions quantities or risk severity).
  • Potential alignment with federal standards or grant of additional state-specific penalties to address local air quality concerns.

Affected parties and entities

  • Regulated facilities and operations subject to the Air Pollution Control Act, including factories, power plants, refineries, and other sources of air emissions.
  • Environmental regulatory agencies responsible for enforcement, monitoring, and penalty assessment.
  • Potentially affected individuals or communities residing near emission sources, who may see changes in enforcement rigor or penalties for noncompliance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill outlines the legal process for imposing penalties, including notification of violations, opportunity for corrective action, and any judicial or administrative review.
  • It may introduce or modify timelines for compliance, settlement, or appeals related to penalties.
  • If the bill requires updates to regulatory rules or guidance, it could specify a timeline for implementing those changes, either upon enactment or through subsequent rulemaking.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Higher penalties or clarified penalty structures could increase compliance incentives for polluters and improve deterrence.
  • Clearer enforcement mechanisms may enhance accountability for emissions violations and support public health protections.
  • Entities may need to adjust compliance programs, monitoring, and reporting to avoid penalties or respond to enforcement actions.
  • Local communities near pollution sources could benefit from stronger enforcement and faster resolution of violations.

Note

  • This summary reflects the bill’s general aim to modify penalties under the Air Pollution Control Act. For precise penalty amounts, calculation methods, specific sources covered, and procedural steps, the bill’s text and any accompanying fiscal notes or regulatory impact statements should be consulted.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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