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HB 2360

An Act establishing the Chesapeake Bay Grant-Only Compliance Program; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; providing for the prohibition of certain fees relating to municipal separate storm sewer system permit compliance and Chesapeake Bay requirements, for grants to fund compliance costs, for limitation on enforcement and for preemption; and making repeals.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Kuzma and 7 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill redirects Chesapeake Bay compliance costs from municipalities to state grants, prohibits regulatory fees, limits enforcement, and preempts certain requirements.

Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection
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Bill Summary · HB 2360

Legislative bill overview

HB 2360 establishes a grant-funded compliance program for municipalities to meet Chesapeake Bay water quality requirements under federal MS4 (municipal separate storm sewer system) permits. The bill prohibits the Department of Environmental Protection from charging fees for these compliance obligations and instead requires the state to fund compliance costs through grants. It also limits enforcement actions and appears to preempt certain regulatory requirements.

Why is this important

Municipalities currently bear substantial costs to comply with federal Chesapeake Bay restoration standards, which involve stormwater management infrastructure and pollution reduction. This bill fundamentally shifts the financial burden from local governments to the state, affecting both municipal budgets and how water quality improvements are funded and enforced across Pennsylvania.

Potential points of contention

  • State funding burden: Shifting compliance costs to state grants creates significant new budget obligations for Pennsylvania, with unclear funding sources or limitations on total grant expenditures
  • Environmental enforcement weakening: Limiting DEP enforcement authority could reduce accountability for water quality violations and slow progress toward federal Chesapeake Bay cleanup goals
  • Equity concerns: Grant distribution mechanisms and eligibility criteria are undefined, potentially benefiting some municipalities while disadvantaging others facing identical federal requirements
  • Federal compliance risk: Pennsylvania may face federal penalties if state-funded grants prove insufficient for municipalities to meet mandatory permit conditions

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

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