HARRISBURG – The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee approved a slate of bills today addressing stream maintenance and offering better protections for landowners, according to Chairman Gene Yaw (R-23).
Senate Bill 403 would allow for local government organizations to apply for a permit for continuing maintenance for a period of at least 10 years for the streams within their jurisdiction. Senate Bill 404 would create a program that allows counties to opt-in to address hazards within their streams by allowing for emergency maintenance permits in consultation with their county conservation district.
“Proper stream maintenance protects people, land and infrastructure from flood damage,” Yaw said. “The need is immediate, and our local officials are in the best position to manage and maintain our streams. Eliminating unnecessary bureaucratic barriers and red tape can help prevent more widespread damage and destruction.”
Last year, nearly every county in Yaw’s district was impacted by severe flooding from Tropical Storm Debby. The overwhelming message, he said, was the need to be able to get in the streams to clean them. Currently, doing so requires a permit from Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection, a process that is lengthy, tedious and inefficient, according to Yaw.
Yaw noted both measures are supported by the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts.
The committee also advanced two measures offering better protections for landowners.
- Senate Bill 109 (Laughlin) – Sets a $250 cap on “groin” fees imposed on private property owners.
- Senate Bill 349 (Yaw) – Establishes decommissioning and financial requirements for solar generation projects, ensuring landowners won’t bear the burden of dismantling solar facilities once they cease operation.
The bills now move to the full Senate for consideration.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel
717-787-3280