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HB 958

An Act amending the act of October 4, 1978 (P.L.864, No.167), known as the Storm Water Management Act, further providing for powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources; and making editorial changes.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bud Cook and 10 co-sponsors

HB 958 expands Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection authority over stormwater management under the 1978 Storm Water Management Act with unspecified new powers and duties.

Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 958

Legislative bill overview

HB 958 amends Pennsylvania's 1978 Storm Water Management Act to expand the powers and duties of the Department of Environmental Resources (now the Department of Environmental Protection) regarding stormwater oversight and regulation. The bill includes editorial updates to modernize the existing legislation while potentially broadening departmental authority in stormwater management.

Why is this important

Stormwater management directly affects flooding prevention, water quality, and infrastructure resilience in communities across Pennsylvania. Updated regulatory authority allows the state to better address modern stormwater challenges, including increased urbanization and climate-related precipitation changes, while also clarifying departmental responsibilities that may have become ambiguous over decades of implementation.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of expanded powers: The vague language "further providing for powers and duties" lacks specificity about what new authorities the DEP would receive, making it difficult for stakeholders to assess regulatory burden or environmental benefit before passage.
  • Cost implications: Expanded stormwater regulations could impose compliance costs on municipalities, developers, and property owners, though the bill doesn't address funding or fee structures to support implementation.
  • Editorial changes opacity: The reference to "making editorial changes" without detail raises concerns about whether substantive policy modifications are being disguised as technical corrections.

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

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