Jun. 13, 2022
HARRISBURG – Seeking to ease the financial burden of Pennsylvania residents paying a so-called “rain tax” resulting from federal environmental regulations, Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) is sponsoring legislation to address the issue.
House Bill 2153 was the focus of a public hearing conducted by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today. Boback testified before the committee regarding her legislation.
Boback’s proposal would provide relief to local governments that have to comply with the federally mandated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) through the creation of a Municipal Storm Water Assistance Program. Under her bill, the state program would be funded with $300 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
“MS4 costs have only increased as the federal mandate expands throughout the Commonwealth. Our communities need access to funds so as to not levy these onerous ‘rain taxes’ on our constituents,” Boback said. “So I am asking for CARES Act dollars to help ease the strain. The Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors also testified, urging the state
to use the funds as an investment in the Commonwealth.”
“I have always been opposed to unfunded mandates. To add this egregious ‘tax’ on top of school property taxes is a great hardship for home and business owners. It is only logical that a federal mandate be paid for by federal funds,” added Boback.
House Bill 2153 is currently under consideration by the committee.
Representative Karen Boback
117th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
717-260-6474
abriggs@pahousegop.com
RepBoback.com
