This bill amends the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act of October 18, 1988, specifically updating the definition of "hazardous substance" to include new categories of chemical substances. The revised definition now encompasses not only those substances already classified under existing laws, such as the Solid Waste Management Act and the Federal Superfund Act, but also introduces a new category of chemical substances that pose a threat to public health and safety or the environment. This new category includes specific perfluorinated compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, as well as any chemical determined by the department to be equivalent to those listed or designated by the Governor's executive order.

The bill also clarifies that certain materials, including petroleum products and specific coal combustion wastes, are excluded from the definition of hazardous substances unless they are explicitly listed. This amendment aims to enhance the state's ability to address emerging environmental threats while maintaining clarity on what constitutes a hazardous substance under Pennsylvania law. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 462 (Mar 21, 2025): P.L.756, No.108
Printer's No. 0462: P.L.756, No.108