Government Relations Update

August 27, 2026

Legislation

PMAA and the Water Utility Council of PA - AWWA support HB 2302 which would require well drillers in Pennsylvania to become licensed. We support this bill because it strengthens accountability and consumer protections while safeguarding Pennsylvania’s drinking water and public health. The bill establishes a practical licensing framework that promotes industry standards, proper well construction, and ongoing professional education.


WUC Support Letter

Legal

Memo from PMAA Solicitor regarding the D.C. Circuit's decision to uphold the EPA regulation designating PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA hazardous substances.

Regulations

In the August 22nd edition of the Pennsylvania Bulletin, DEP announced the availability of the Final Technical Guidance Document (TGD): Guidance on Notification Requirements for Unauthorized Discharges to Waters of the Commonwealth Under Pennsylvania's Clean Streams Law. The purpose of this document is to provide guidance on the immediate notification requirements for unauthorized discharges of a substance that would cause or threaten pollution to waters of this Commonwealth, endanger downstream users or damage property. TGDs can be accessed and viewed here.

PA One Call Update - Service Adjustment Announcement

In The News

Recycling: Tire collection, paper shredding and more events to end summer on a green note

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.

Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Lead Service Line Replacement Grant Program; Amended Federal Fiscal Year 2026 Intended Use Plan; Available for Public Comment

PENNVEST and DEP have amended the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 Intended Use Plan (IUP) for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The amendments of the FFY 2026 DWSRF IUP focus on the Lead Service Line (LSL) Replacement grant.

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The IUP provides detailed information on the Commonwealth's intended implementation of the DWSRF program, including a list of drinking water and pollution abatement projects to be considered for a design and engineering or construction loan or grant from funds the Commonwealth receives from the United States EPA. The DWSRF program includes the Base Grant funds as well as supplemental grant funds made available through the FFY 2026 Federal appropriation, under the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 300f—300j-27) including appropriate State match funds and principal, interest and investment income. This notice is for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) LSL Replacement grant only. Click here for more information.

Comments may be submitted on the narrative portion of the amended IUP, the PPL and the DWSRF set-aside work plan to the Department through Monday, August 31, 2026. Commentators must submit comments using the Department's eComment online tool at https://www.ahs.dep.pa.gov/eComment/

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