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.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This act establishes a framework for managing Pennsylvania’s water resources, primarily targeting extraordinary water users – those withdrawing large volumes of water for profit. It requires registration of these users, imposes a water resource fee based on consumption, and creates funds for watershed planning and monitoring. The act also authorizes the legislature to seek voter approval for bonds to finance water-related environmental initiatives and establishes penalties for non-compliance.
Key provisions
- Requires registration of extraordinary water users (over 10,000 gallons/day for non-municipal use).
- Imposes a water resource fee based on water withdrawal volume.
- Establishes the Water Use Fund to collect fees and support water-related programs.
- Creates the Critical Water Planning Area Administration and Watershed Monitoring Fund.
- Authorizes the legislature to seek voter approval for bonds to fund water-related environmental initiatives.
- Establishes penalties for failing to comply with registration and fee payment requirements.
- Requires data centers to report their energy and water consumption annually.
- Creates a tiered system of fees for extraordinary water users, with higher fees for larger withdrawals.
Who is affected
- For-profit businesses that withdraw large quantities of water.
- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
- Municipalities and water authorities.
- Data center operators.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Danielle Friel Otten
Cosponsors
Christopher Rabb
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