The House concurred with the Senate to pass HB 1565 yesterday and the bill is now headed to the Governor's desk for signature within the next ten days.  HB 1565 was passed by the Senate a day earlier by a vote of 27-22.  Previously, the bill was passed by the House and referred to the Senate last month.   

The purpose of HB 1565, sponsored by Rep. Marcia Hahn (138th District, Northampton), is to provide landowners with more flexible options when developing land on certain waterways in Pennsylvania.

The legislation will simply allow land owners the option to either (1) meet the current 150' buffer or (2) opt out in the event their proposed use of available Best Management Practices meets the requirements of the Clean Streams Act.

This legislation will provide a positive step for economic growth without unnecessarily harming the environment.  PEDA expects the legislation will greatly improve the prospects for development and business investment in the Commonwealth.