Although the Pennsylvania state constitution guarantees the right to clean air, water, and land, this promise has too often gone unrealized. From polluting infrastructure that is disproportionately located in Black and brown communities, to widespread threats to drinking water from chemicals like PFAS, significant action is needed to ensure a healthy environment for all. CVPA supports the following policies that protect environmental justice communities from pollution, improve access to clean air and healthy water, and protect our natural resources:
- House Bill 109: Empowers the Department of Environmental Protection to designate environmental justice areas in communities with increased pollution burdens.
- House Bill 673: Establishes requirements for how much green space is kept undeveloped along streams and rivers to curb runoff and prevent pollution.
- House Bill 759: Requires old drinking water fountains in schools be replaced with lead-filtering units by 2026.
- House Bills 990 & 991: Creates an optional funding mechanism allowing more municipalities to charge a stormwater management fee without requiring the creation of a stormwater authority.
- House Bill 1261: Prohibits the use of PFAS-laden firefighting foam beginning in 2026, and directs the Fire Commissioner and Department of Environmental Protection to work together to assist fire companies with disposal. Requires warning label for all personal protective equipment containing PFAS.