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SB 158

An Act amending the act of July 13, 1988 (P.L.530, No.94), known as the Environmental Hearing Board Act, further providing for jurisdiction.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Camera Bartolotta and 1 co-sponsor

SB 158 modifies Pennsylvania's Environmental Hearing Board's jurisdiction to alter what environmental disputes and decisions the Board can review and adjudicate.

Referred to Environmental Resources & Energy
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Bill Summary · SB 158

Legislative bill overview

SB 158 proposes amendments to Pennsylvania's Environmental Hearing Board Act, specifically modifying the Board's jurisdictional scope. The bill would alter what types of environmental cases and decisions the Board can hear and review. The exact jurisdictional changes are not detailed in the bill summary provided, requiring review of the full legislative text for specifics.

Why is this important

The Environmental Hearing Board serves as Pennsylvania's primary venue for challenging environmental agency decisions and permits. Modifications to its jurisdiction directly affect which parties can appeal environmental decisions, what issues can be contested, and ultimately how environmental disputes are resolved in the state. This has tangible impacts on businesses, environmental advocates, and communities affected by environmental permitting and enforcement.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope expansion vs. limitation: Whether the jurisdictional changes expand or restrict access to the Board, affecting either regulated industries' ability to appeal or citizens' ability to contest environmental decisions
  • Regulatory burden concerns: Potential disagreements over whether changes reduce agency efficiency or create backlogs by altering what matters the Board must address
  • Environmental protection balance: Debate over whether modifications strengthen or weaken environmental oversight and the ability to challenge potentially harmful permits or decisions

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

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