PA DEP News

Data Center Development Oversight Requirements Fact Sheet

PA DEP published a fact sheet outlining its oversight role in data center development within Pennsylvania. The document addresses environmental compliance requirements for data center construction and operation, including potentially water usage, energy consumption, and related environmental permits. The fact sheet applies to developers and operators planning data center facilities in the state.

Shapiro Administration Secures $14 Million for Enhanced Geothermal Systems Pilot Demonstration Project

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection received a $14 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to pilot an enhanced geothermal system demonstration project in Indiana County. The project will extract heat from subsurface geologic formations to generate electrical power and direct-use thermal energy for rural communities. The project also aims to repurpose existing oil and gas infrastructure to avoid additional land disturbance and catalyze a new geothermal energy industry.

DEP Launches 2026 Black Fly Suppression Program Across 1,800 Miles of Waterways

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has launched its 41st annual Black Fly Suppression Program, treating 48 rivers and streams across more than 1,800 miles of Pennsylvania waterways. The program uses targeted aerial and ground applications of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), a naturally occurring soil bacterium that specifically controls black fly larvae in flowing water. DEP notifies county and local emergency management officials prior to treatments and publishes spray schedules on its Vector Management Program website.

HSCA Program Delivers Safe Drinking Water to Lancaster County Community

PA DEP Secretary highlighted a Lancaster County cleanup project that provided safe drinking water to the Intercourse Village area through the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act (HSCA) Program. Over $22 million was invested in constructing a public water system that became operational in 2020, serving homes and businesses previously dependent on contaminated private wells. Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 budget proposal includes a one-time $20 million transfer to support HSCA site investigations and remediation projects when responsible parties cannot be identified.

Conowingo Creek Restored, Trout Stocked, Grants Opening

PA DEP and PFBC stocked trout in Conowingo Creek in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The stream restoration project, completed in 2023 using Section 319 and Growing Greener funding, removes an estimated 176 tons of sediment, 1,260 pounds of nitrogen, and 386 pounds of phosphorus annually. The Shapiro Administration announced that Growing Greener and Section 319 grant applications will reopen April 22 through June 22, 2026.

Pennsylvania DEP Seeks Energy Generation and Storage Project Submissions for PJM Fast-Track

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) published a Request for Information (RFI) seeking submissions for new energy generation and storage projects eligible for PJM's Expedited Interconnection Track (EIT). Projects sponsored by the Commonwealth could secure Generator Interconnection Agreements within ten months, significantly faster than PJM's standard process. DEP also seeks feedback on why projects may not meet PJM's requirements and input on potential loan or loan guarantee support.