I will soon introduce legislation to require a binding ratepayer referendum for the approval of the sale of municipally owned water and wastewater systems to private companies (Investor-Owned Utilities).

Access to clean and affordable water is essential and life-sustaining. However, since the passage of Act 12 in 2016, which allows private companies to purchase municipal water and wastewater systems at inflated market values, many residents have seen their rates skyrocket. What was originally intended to support struggling water authorities has turned into a profit-driven process, and, unfortunately, has saddled costumers with unsustainable rate increases and left a vital life source unaffordable.

In my own district, residents have experienced their water and wastewater rates triple after the sale of a local system. This is a pattern that is being repeated across the Commonwealth. It’s clear that Section 1329 of Act 12 needs to be updated to include protections for consumers, municipalities, and residents. The General Assembly should act to finally give residents a real say in the sale, review, and approval process of their water and wastewater systems.

This legislation would ensure that before any municipal water or wastewater system is sold to a private entity, the ratepayers would have a direct say in the matter through a binding referendum. The people who rely on these vital services deserve to have their voices heard in decisions that affect their everyday lives.

I invite you to join me in co-sponsoring this critical legislation to give ratepayers a real, binding say in the future of their water and wastewater systems.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 676 (Apr 28, 2025): 66-1329