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Bill

HB 42

An Act providing for the establishment of response teams relating to certain well operations and for powers and duties of the Secretary of Labor and Industry.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Conklin and 5 co-sponsors

Creates response teams under PA Labor & Industry to address well operation incidents, granting the Secretary specific oversight powers over team operations and incident response.

Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection
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Bill Summary · HB 42

Legislative bill overview

HB 42 would establish response teams within Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry to address incidents and issues related to certain well operations. The bill grants the Secretary of Labor and Industry specific powers and duties to oversee these response teams and their operations.

Why is this important

Well operations—whether for oil, gas, water, or geothermal purposes—can pose safety and environmental risks to workers and communities. Creating dedicated response teams could improve incident response times, worker safety protocols, and regulatory oversight. This potentially affects thousands of Pennsylvanians living in areas with active well operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Jurisdictional overlap: Unclear whether this duplicates or conflicts with existing oversight by the Department of Environmental Protection or other agencies
  • Funding and resources: No details provided on how these response teams will be staffed, equipped, or funded
  • Scope definition: "Certain well operations" is vague—unclear which types of wells (natural gas, oil, water) and what specific incidents trigger response team activation
  • Industry burden: Potential costs or compliance requirements imposed on well operators remain undefined
  • Enforcement authority: Specific powers granted to the Secretary and enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in the bill summary

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

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