House Democratic Caucus, 2009-2010 Policy Agenda

Healthy Environment With Clean And Safe Energy

Advance the development and use of alternative energy sources while minimizing the environmental impact.

  • H.B. 984 (Kessler) would encourage the development of the wind power industry in Pennsylvania. Status: Passed House on 6/23/09 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION
  • H.B. 1394 (Houghton) would promote energy exploration and development through the state's Clean and Green land preservation program. Status: Signed into law on 11/23/10 to become Act 109 of 2010. Latest News Release. ACCOMPLISHED

Support energy conservation through consumer education, the use of new technology and incentives for families and businesses.

  • H.B. 444 (M. Smith) would require all buildings constructed or refurbished with state funds to be environmentally responsible and energy efficient. Status: Passed House on 7/13/09 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION
  • H.B. 687 (Dermody) would make it easier for government entities to make energy conservation improvements to their facilities. Status: Signed into law on 7/2/10 to become Act 39 of 2010. Latest News Release. ACCOMPLISHED
  • H.B. 786 (George) would reestablish a State Energy Office to forge consistent energy polices. Status: Passed House on 6/23/09 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION
  • H.B. 2234 (Houghton) would make it easier for homeowners to install solar panels on their roofs. Status: Passed House on 6/23/10 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION

Promote initiatives to conserve and protect natural resources for generations of Pennsylvanians to enjoy.

  • H.B. 262 (Haluska) would encourage the use of well-regulated, prescribed burning in Pennsylvania as a habitat and land-management tool. Status: Signed into law on 7/14/09 to become Act 17 of 2009. Latest News Release. ACCOMPLISHED
  • H.B. 263 (Freeman) would clarify that municipalities are required to adopt, implement and enforce zoning ordinances in order to protect the values of the Appalachian Trail. Status: Signed into law on 7/17/09 to become Act 23 of 2009. Latest News Release. ACCOMPLISHED
  • H.B. 281 (Daley) would permit the transfer of an antlerless tag from a licensed doe hunter to a young participant in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program. Status: Passed House on 3/24/09 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION
  • H.B. 320 (Haluska) would repeal state law that gives Fish and Boat commissioners law enforcement powers of waterways conservation officers. Status: Passed House on 4/21/09 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION
  • H.B. 460 (Goodman) would end requirement for hunters to display their license on the back of their outmost garment. Status: Passed House on 3/16/10 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION
  • H.B. 481 (Hanna) would increase the restitution amount and certain liabilities for theft of standing timber. Status: Passed House on 4/21/09 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION
  • H.B. 594 (Siptroth) would create a program for the disposal of home-generated medical sharps. Status: Passed House on 6/10/09 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION
  • H.B. 961 (Buxton) would authorize the continuation of a recycling and waste disposal fee. Status: Signed into law on 5/12/10 to become Act 24 of 2010. Latest News Release. ACCOMPLISHED
  • H.B. 1171 (Hanna) would make it easier for vintage snowmobile enthusiasts to participate in events celebrating their hobby. Status: Passed House on 6/15/10 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION
  • H.B. 1523 (Kula) would strengthen alcohol consumption guidelines for hunting. Status: Passed House on 6/24/09 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION
  • H.B. 1768 (Wansacz) would update the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act and provide for site limitations. Status: Passed House on 9/17/09 and sent to the Senate. AWAITING SENATE ACTION
  • H.B. 1832 (Gergely) would enroll Pennsylvania in the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact. Status: Senate version signed into law on 9/24/10 to become Act 60 of 2010. Latest News Release. ACCOMPLISHED
  • H.B. 1847 (Harhai) would expand the provisions for preferred site selection used for coal refuse disposal. Status: Signed inot law on 2/2/10 to become Act 4 of 2010 Latest News Release. ACCOMPLISHED
  • H.B. 1859 (Staback) would increase fines and penalties for poaching and the illegal trade of wildlife in Pennsylvania. Status: Signed into law on 7/9/10 to become Act 54 of 2010. Latest News Release. ACCOMPLISHED
  • H.B. 2235 (Vitali) would protect Pennsylvania's state forests from additional natural gas drilling until its impacts can be evaluated. Status: Passed House on 5/4/10 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION

Ensure that Pennsylvanians receive safe and reliable electricity, natural gas and water services at reasonable rates.

  • H.B. 1128 (Preston) would increase safety violation fines for natural or artificial gas utilities that produce, generate, transmit, distribute or furnish gas for public consumption. Status: Passed House on 6/2/09 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION

Encourage smart growth throughout the Commonwealth to protect farmland and open spaces while also revitalizing older, distressed communities.

  • H.B. 1609 (Freeman) would promote traditional neighborhood development as an alternative to sprawl. Status: Signed into law on 11/23/10 to become Act 111 of 2010. Latest News Release. ACCOMPLISHED
  • H.B. 2591 (George) would expand the ability of the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority to direct federal money to rural stormwater management and nonpoint source remediation projects. Status: Passed House on 7/2/10 and sent to the Senate. Latest News Release. AWAITING SENATE ACTION