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SB 1236

An Act amending the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law, in other pollutions and potential pollution, further providing for potential pollution.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Keefer

Expands how potential pollution is regulated under the Clean Streams Law, tightening oversight and compliance for activities that could pollute waterways even before actual dischar

Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1236

Summary of SB 1236 (2025-2026) — Pennsylvania

Purpose and overall intent

  • SB 1236 seeks to amend the Clean Streams Law (act of June 22, 1937, P.L. 1987, No. 394) specifically relating to “other pollutions and potential pollution” and to provide for potential pollution more comprehensively.
  • The bill is sponsored by Senator Dawn Keefer (with co-sponsor) and was referred to the Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee, where it was reported as committed on June 1, 2026.

Key provisions and changes (as described in the bill’s intended scope)

  • The central focus is expanding or clarifying the regulation of “potential pollution” beyond traditional pollution controls. While the exact text of the amendments is not included in the summary materials provided, the title indicates:
    • Revisions to the definitions, standards, or procedures related to potential pollution.
    • Possible updates to permitting, enforcement, or compliance mechanisms under the Clean Streams Law to address not-yet-polluting activities that could lead to pollution.
  • The bill is positioned as “in other pollutions and potential pollution, further providing for potential pollution,” signaling targeted changes to how potential pollution is identified, regulated, and enforced.

Who/what would be affected

  • Entities subject to the Clean Streams Law, including individuals, businesses, municipalities, and industries that handle or discharge substances potentially capable of polluting streams and water programs in Pennsylvania.
  • State environmental regulatory programs responsible for water quality and pollution prevention, including departments and agencies enforcing the Clean Streams Law.
  • Potential indirect impacts on permitting processes, inspection regimes, compliance timelines, and enforcement actions related to activities categorized as potential pollution.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Bill status:
    • Referred to the Senate Environmental Resources & Energy Committee on March 30, 2026.
    • Reported as committed and given first consideration on June 1, 2026.
    • Committee vote on June 1, 2026: 7 in favor (YES) and 4 opposed (NO) in the Environmental Resources & Energy Committee.
  • Committee meetings listed include an Appropriations hearing on June 2, 2026, alongside other related Senate bills, indicating ongoing consideration of fiscal implications as part of the broader legislative review.
  • The bill’s sponsor is Senator Dawn Keefer, with the short title indicating alignment with Clean Streams Law revisions related to potential pollution.

Practical impact and considerations

  • If enacted, agencies may implement updated rules or interpretations for activities that pose a risk of future pollution, potentially tightening oversight of activities that previously fell outside traditional pollution definitions.
  • Businesses and developers may face new compliance requirements or heightened scrutiny for practices that could lead to pollution, even if no actual discharge occurs at present.
  • The changes could influence remediation, monitoring, and reporting requirements for facilities near waterways and for projects with potential environmental risk.

Notes

  • The current materials do not provide the exact statutory text or detailed amendments. For a precise understanding of the substantive changes (definitions, penalties, permitting thresholds, timelines), the bill’s full text (PN 1547) and accompanying fiscal notes would be required.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific stakeholders (e.g., small businesses, municipalities, environmental groups) or provide a line-by-line comparison once the full text is available.

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

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