On Wednesday, the House signed Senate Bill 341, sponsored by Sen. Greenleaf (R-Montgomery). The bill authorizes an Automotive Fuel Testing and Disclosure Program, providing for the annual testing of automotive fuel for octane rating on a random, unannounced basis. The bill also allows the Department of Agriculture to enter into agreements with city or counties and authorizes investigations by the department, and provides for violations and penalties. The bill was amended to make the program voluntary by PDA. The Governor has until November 3 to act on the legislation.
Other energy related bills to make their way to the Governor in the final session week include Senate Bill 1298, sponsored by Sen. Lloyd Smucker (R-Lancaster) amends the Pennsylvania Farmland and Forest Land Assessment Act providing for Clean and Green exemptions for farm composting. Governor Corbett signed the bill this morning.
And HB 1813, sponsored by Rep. Mike Tobash (R-Schuylkill/Berks) amends Pennsylvania’s Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation regulations to provide for the use of Land Reclamation Financial Guarantees (LRFGs) for new and re-mining projects. The bill codifies the source of funds for Acid Mine Discharges that have been ordered by the courts. House Bill 1813 is intended to help mine reclamation efforts, lower electric generation costs and create jobs.
“It’s been many years since specific legislation in support of developing our anthracite resource has passed the state General Assembly. Specifically, it will remove barriers to anthracite coal development and improve Pennsylvania miners’ ability to provide our country with the abundance of affordable energy that exists right under our feet,” Tobash said. The bill was signed by the Governor Thursday morning.