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HB 2682

An Act providing for registration of extraordinary water users; imposing a water resource fee; providing for reporting; establishing the Critical Water Planning Area Administration and Watershed Monitoring Fund; establishing the Water Use Fund; providing for duties of the Department of Environmental Protection and for submission of a question to the electorate authorizing incurring of indebtedness for water-related environmental initiatives; and establishing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Ciresi and 10 co-sponsors

The bill creates a statewide framework to regulate large water withdrawals, fund planning and monitoring through new fees and dedicated funds, and allow voter-approved debt for wat

Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2682

Summary of HB 2682 (2025-2026) — Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

HB 2682 proposes a comprehensive framework to manage and fund water resources in Pennsylvania. The bill aims to (1) register and regulate extraordinary water users, (2) establish a water resource fee to support planning and monitoring, (3) create dedicated administration and funding mechanisms for critical water planning and watershed monitoring, (4) set out duties for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), (5) allow for a statewide public debt question to authorize environmental water initiatives, and (6) establish penalties for noncompliance. The bill is sponsored by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, with multiple co-sponsors.

Key provisions and changes

  • Registration of extraordinary water users

    • Establishes a registration framework for entities considered “extraordinary water users.”
    • Likely targets large-volume or high-impact withdrawals that affect water resources.

  • Water resource fee

    • Introduces a new fee assessed to water users or entities to fund water resource programs.
    • Revenue would support planning, monitoring, and administration activities related to water resources.

  • Reporting requirements

    • Mandates reporting associated with water use, withdrawals, or fee payment to ensure transparency and accountability.

  • Critical Water Planning Area Administration and Watershed Monitoring Fund

    • Creates a dedicated fund to support administration of Critical Water Planning Areas and ongoing watershed monitoring.
    • Funds would be used to plan, assess, and respond to water resource needs and risks within specified areas.

  • Water Use Fund

    • Establishes another dedicated fund focused on broader water use management and related activities across the state.

  • Duties of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

    • Outlines DEP responsibilities linked to the registration system, fee administration, reporting, and fund management.
    • Potentially includes rules, compliance oversight, data collection, and public reporting duties.

  • Public election on indebtedness for water-related environmental initiatives

    • Provides a mechanism to submit a question to the electorate to authorize incurring indebtedness (i.e., state or local borrowing) for environmental initiatives related to water resources.
    • If approved by voters, enables funding through debt issuance for approved projects.

  • Penalties

    • Establishes penalties for noncompliance with registration, reporting, fee payment, or other requirements under the act.

Who would be affected

  • Water users and entities with extraordinary withdrawals (e.g., large industrial, agricultural, or municipal users) subject to registration and fees.
  • DEP, which would implement the program, collect fees, enforce requirements, and manage funds.
  • Public authorities and local governments involved in water planning and watershed monitoring.
  • General electorate if the indebtedness question is placed on and approved by ballots (a statewide or local referendum mechanism depending on the final structure).

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill would establish implementation steps for registration, fee collection, fund creation, and reporting.
  • A mechanism is included to place a debt-authorization question before voters, outlining the process and timing for a referendum (subject to legislative and constitutional procedures).
  • The act would set penalties for violations, with timelines for compliance and enforcement details to be defined in DEP regulations and implementing rules.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Financial: New fees and the establishment of dedicated funds could create a stable revenue stream for water resource planning and monitoring.
  • Governance: Clear DEP duties and reporting obligations may improve data quality and transparency in water use.
  • Policy implications: Creation of Critical Water Planning Areas suggests targeted planning in priority regions; the overall framework may influence water allocation, conservation, and resilience strategies.
  • Public engagement: The indebtedness provision introduces a direct check with voters on significant borrowing for environmental initiatives.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated provisions as described. If adopted, the final law would be shaped by enacted text, amendments, and any regulatory rules issued by DEP.

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

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