Signed by Governor Tom Corbett

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires legislative approval for a state plan for the regulation of carbon dioxide from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants, effective immediately.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a state plan for regulation of carbon dioxide from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants in accordance with EPA standards (Sec. 3).

• Requires the Department  to transmit the plan to the Assembly for approval no less than 100 days prior to submitting the plan to the EPA (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that if either chamber of the Assembly disapprove of the plan, the Department may not submit the plan to the EPA and is required to complete the following (Sec. 4):
• Determine the reasons for disapproval and modify the plan;
• Resubmit the plan to the Assembly within 60 days of disapproval; and
• Request an extension of time from the EPA, if necessary.

• Specifies that if either chamber of the Assembly does not approve a resubmitted plan within 60 days of the extension, the resubmitted plan shall be deemed approved (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that if no vote is taken on the plan by either chamber of the Assembly before June 15, 2016, the plan shall be deemed approved and shall be submitted to the EPA (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that requires legislative approval for a state plan for the regulation of carbon dioxide from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants, effective immediately.

Highlights:

• Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to submit to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a state plan for regulation of carbon dioxide from existing fossil fuel-fired power plants in accordance with EPA standards (Sec. 3).

• Requires the Department  to transmit the plan to the Assembly for approval no less than 100 days prior to submitting the plan to the EPA (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that if either chamber of the Assembly disapprove of the plan, the Department may not submit the plan to the EPA and is required to complete the following (Sec. 4):
• Determine the reasons for disapproval and modify the plan;
• Resubmit the plan to the Assembly within 60 days of disapproval; and
• Request an extension of time from the EPA, if necessary.

• Specifies that if either chamber of the Assembly does not approve a resubmitted plan within 60 days of the extension, the resubmitted plan shall be deemed approved (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that if no vote is taken on the plan by either chamber of the Assembly before June 15, 2016, the plan shall be deemed approved and shall be submitted to the EPA (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text