House Committee Unanimously Reports Out Bipartisan Bill To License Water, Geothermal, Geotechnical Well Drillers

On April 27, the House Professional Licensure Committee unanimously reported out House Bill 2302 (Takac-D-Centre, Moul-R-Adams), bipartisan legislation requiring the licensing of water, geothermal, geotechnical well drillers (sponsor summary).

In comments before the Committee, Rep. Paul Takac (D-Centre) said-- “I just wanted to recognize too my co-prime sponsor Chairman Dan Moul, our co-sponsors, and the many folks who work so hard on this proposed legislation, particularly the folks from DCNR who help coordinate and vet the legislation as well as the executive director and staff of this Committee. 

“As we heard in the informational hearing in early February, over three million Pennsylvanians rely on private water wells for their drinking water, almost exclusively in rural communities. 

“However, Pennsylvania is one of just three states that lack statewide licensing standards, and one of only two that does not enforce water well siting or construction standards. 

“This is significant because Pennsylvania's complex geology makes proper well siting critical for safety and groundwater protection. 

“And licensing standards are critical to protect homeowners and landowners as well as their neighbors.

“This legislation establishes accountability without adding new regulatory requirements or permitting processes. 

“It provides a flexible two way to pathway licensing model to let drillers seek only the relevant training they need, and it includes a two-year grandfathering period to provide for industry continuity. 

“And finally, I would note that this covers water, geothermal, and geotechnical drillers, but excludes oil and natural gas. 

“It is a bipartisan bill backed by a broad range of stakeholders and has been vetted and supported by representatives from the oil and gas industry, agriculture, building, engineering, and drilling industries, as well as state agencies, consumer, health, and environmental groups. 

“Thank you for your time and for your consideration of House Bill 2302. 

“I ask for your support to help protect public health and establish consumer protections.”

After Committee action the bill was Tabled, in the usual practice of the House.

Rep. Frank Burns (D-Cambria) serves as Majority Chair of the House Professional Licensure Committee and can be contacted at 717-772-8056 or fburns@pahouse.net.  Rep Joe Emrick (R-Northampton) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted at 717-260-6159 or jemrick@pahousegop.com. 

[Posted: April 27, 2026]  PA Environment Digest