Government Relations Update

July 2, 2026

Legislation

On June 30th, the Senate Local Government Committee met to discuss two bills. Senate Bill 1345 amends the Municipalities Planning Code to provide for an optional 18-month moratorium on filing or consideration of new applications for high impact data centers. The bill was voted favorably out of committee. House Bill 2496 amends the Municipalities Planning Code to provide for an optional 180-day pause on new data center proposals. This bill was voted favorably out of committee, as amended.

Committee Report

Regulations

EPA has released resources for water suppliers regarding lead and copper sampling at schools and child care facilities. The documents can be accessed from the links below.

LCRI Schools and Child Care Facilities

LCRI Schools and Child Care Facilities Requirements and Waivers

In The News

EPA Invests in Making America Healthy Again with Announcement of $25 Million to Improve Drinking Water in Small and Rural Communities

EPA Invests in Making America Healthy Again with Announcement of Over $2.1 Million to Improve Drinking Water in Mid-Atlantic States

More information on this grant program and this year’s allotments can be found on the SmaRT website.

Shapiro Wants to Use Incentives to Push Data Centers to Behave Better. His Own Party Wants to be More Aggressive.

Pa. House Passes Data Center ‘Pause’ Along With Shapiro’s Plan for ‘Responsible’ Development

EPA to Waive Water Infrastructure Loan Program Fees, Remove Barriers for Small Communities

Senate Committee Advances Bipartisan Legislation Empowering Pennsylvania Municipalities on Data Center Decisions

Pa. House passes Sunshine Act 24-hour notice bill

• Local Government Coalition Opposition Letter to HB 2146

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.