The new budget provides critical funding for DEP, DCNR, and key programs, addressing several pressing energy issues via riders to the accompanying Fiscal Code. But other urgent questions surrounding data center development remain unresolved.
One win for Pennsylvania is the final passage of House Bill 2223, which will require utilities to consider Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs) in their infrastructure planning.
This legislation was a major priority for PEC this year, since ATTs can help meet rising electric demand by alleviating part of the need for costly generation and infrastructure buildout.
Additional wins include legislation requiring data center developers to report annual energy and water usage, as well as legislation mandating PJM to submit load forecasting information to the PUC.
Two other PEC-supported energy proposals were also enacted separately as part of the budget agreement: Senate Bill 349, which sets uniform solar decommissioning standards, and House Bill 2017, which right-sizes permitting costs for small modular nuclear power plants.
The state budget also made room for a one-time only addition to the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund. This fund provides DEP with the necessary resources to monitor and manage orphaned facilities.
Though the 2026-2027 budget process concluded months earlier and with less chaos than last year's, the Senate punted on many House-approved proposals that would establish critically important guardrails for data centers.
The Senate's inaction leaves considerable uncertainty as to how data centers will impact the affordability and reliability of electrical service, and the availability and quality of water resources.
Without immediate consideration when the Senate reconvenes in the fall, communities remain open to potentially significant impacts.
Click Here for PEC’s full state budget analysis.
Other Highlights
-- Northeast PA Environmental Partners Announced 2026 Award Recipients
-- Western PA Trails & Greenways Summit - Aug. 26 & 27
-- Connecting To The Pennsylvania Wilds - Knox & Kane Rail Trail
-- How To Create A Trail - Circuit Trails In Southeast PA
-- Grantee Profile: Fit and Focused On The Circuit Trails Network
-- 4 Upcoming PEC Trail Bike Rides
For more information on programs, initiatives and special events, visit the PA Environmental Council website, visit the PEC Blog, PEC Bill/Regulation Tracker, follow PEC on Twitter or Like PEC on Facebook. Visit PEC’s Audio Room for the latest podcasts. Click Here to receive regular updates from PEC.
[Posted: August 8, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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