HARRISBURG — Sen. Dawn Keefer (R-31) introduced groundbreaking legislation, Senate Bill 1236, to reduce regulatory burdens on small-scale construction projects and combat rising housing costs by reforming the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting process under Pennsylvania’s Clean Streams Law.
“The NPDES permitting process often imposes excessive financial hurdles on landowners and developers well before a single foundation is even laid,” Keefer said. “This legislation cuts through red tape for smaller sites, reducing costs that ultimately get passed on to homebuyers and renters. By promoting smarter, more efficient regulations, we’re paving the way for more affordable housing options across the commonwealth without compromising our commitment to clean water.”
The bill would allow construction sites disturbing between one and five acres of land to apply for a waiver from NPDES permit requirements. Waivers would be granted if sites meet criteria outlined in federal regulations, aligning state practices with established national standards for low-risk stormwater discharges.
This reform reduces development costs by eliminating permit fees and administrative delays for qualifying small projects, potentially saving landowners thousands of dollars per site and helping lower overall housing prices amid growing affordability concerns. It also supports economic growth by simplifying the process for modest construction activities, encouraging more housing development, particularly in rural and suburban areas where land disturbance often falls within the one-to-five-acre range. At the same time, the bill maintains environmental safeguards, as waivers are only available for sites that pose minimal pollution risk, ensuring Pennsylvania’s waters remain protected for public health, wildlife and recreation.
Senate Bill 1236 is ready for the Senate’s immediate consideration.
CONTACT: Crystal Patterson, 717-432-1730