Government Relations Update

July 16, 2026

Legislation

On July 12th, 2026, Governor Shapiro signed a $50.8 Billion State Budget into law. Please see below for further details:

• PMAA Takeaways 2026-2027 Budget
• House Appropriations Budget Summary 7-12-2026
• FY 26-27 Budget Track 7-12-2026
• SB 146 Fiscal Code House Fiscal Note
• HB 1505 School Code Senate Fiscal Note 7-12-2026

Regulations

On July 14th, the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) met and reported on program fees and cost analyses. Programs discussed included a Regulatory Fee Report: Water Quality Management Fees; NPDES Permit and Annual Fees (25 Pa. Code Chapters 91 and 92a) and Regulatory Fee Report: Erosion and Sediment Control Permit Fees (25 Pa. Code Chapter 102). DEP is not recommending a fee increase for any of the programs. Please click here for more information. The next EQB meeting is scheduled for August 11th, 2026.

In The News

Governor Shapiro’s Remarks as Prepared During 2026-27 Budget Signing Ceremony

Governor Shapiro Signs Bipartisan 2026-27 Budget, Securing Major Priorities from His Budget Proposal Including Historic Investments in Education, More Funding for Vo-Tech, More State Troopers, and Child Care Support for Families

Pa. adopts $50.8B budget that sends more money to poorest schools, skips difficult policy questions

Farmers’ use of food processing waste will be regulated under new Pa. Law.

State keeps tabs on data centers

Shapiro Administration Invests $306.4 Million Across 23 Counties Through PENNVEST to Ensure Pennsylvanians Have Clean Drinking Water and Safe Water Infrastructure

Langerholc’s PENNVEST Leadership Delivers $7.2 Million for Nanty Glo Water Authority

Chesapeake Bay Foundation: Good and Bad News for Clean Water in Pennsylvania as State Budget Passes

Grant Opportunities

Municipal Recycling Program Performance Grant

The Department of Environmental Protection announces a request for applications from municipalities for recycling performance grant assistance for recycling programs under section 904 of the Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act of 1988 (Act 101) (53 P.S. § 4000.904). Municipalities include counties, cities, boroughs, incorporated towns, townships, home rule municipalities, their authorities, councils of governments, consortiums or similar entities established by two or more municipalities under 53 Pa.C.S. Chapter 23 Subchapter A (relating to intergovernmental cooperation). This application period is for eligible materials recycled and marketed in Calendar Year 2025.

To help you stay informed, PMAA publishes a weekly Legislative Bill Tracker watchlist highlighting key bills as they move through the legislative process.