COVID-19 Update: Guidance Regarding Memo on House Bill 1564
As some of you may be aware, a memo has been circulating regarding Pennsylvania House Bill 1564, which proposes to allow municipalities to conduct fully electronic meetings, as well as suspending some permit application deadlines, among other things. The memo that indicates that the Pennsylvania municipal codes have been amended by House Bill 1564. This, unfortunately, is simply not true. The Bill has passed the House of Representatives unanimously, but no action has been taken by the Pennsylvania Senate. As we all know, a bill does not become a law unless passed by the both the House of Representatives and the Senate,… read more »
COVID-19 Update: Emergency Order Regarding Utilities
On Friday, March 13th, 2020, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (the “PUC”) issued an Emergency Order establishing a moratorium on the termination of utility services, including electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and steam, for all entities which are under the jurisdiction of the PUC. Tom Wolf’s Proclamation This Emergency Order was in direct response to Governor Tom Wolf’s Proclamation of Disaster Emergency on March 6th, 2020, which authorized and directed the suspension of “the provisions of any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of Commonwealth business, or the orders, rules or regulations of any Commonwealth agency, if strict… read more »
Formation of a Stormwater Authority
By Evan M. Gabel On July 9, 2013, Governor Tom Corbett signed into law Act 68, which amended the Pennsylvania Municipalities Authorities Act (the “Act”) to allow local governments in Pennsylvania to form stormwater authorities. Specifically, Act 68 amended 53 P.S. § 5607, adding “stormwater management planning and projects” as purpose and power for which a municipal authority may be incorporated. Since the passage of Act 68, stormwater authorities have gained traction in large part because of upcoming changes to the requirements of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer (MS4) Program, which has been administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental… read more »
