The House Republican Policy Committee, chaired by David H. Rowe, held a public hearing on Apr. 7 in Luzerne County to discuss the effects of the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) rainwater tax on small communities and explore potential reforms.
The hearing, hosted by Representative Brenda Pugh, brought together local leaders and residents who shared their experiences with what they described as an inequitable system of stormwater fees. Pugh has introduced legislation aimed at preserving environmental standards while ensuring that costs are distributed more fairly across Pennsylvania.
“Today’s hearing focuses on an issue many Pennsylvanians didn’t even know existed until it showed up on their bill. Communities like Luzerne County are being pulled into a system never designed for smaller towns, yet they’re expected to pay the same price,” Rowe said. “We are here today to explore how we can reduce these costs while still meeting our environmental responsibilities.”
Under federal regulations related to the Chesapeake Bay watershed, Pennsylvania must reduce nutrient and sediment discharges from stormwater runoff. These requirements have led municipalities to impose stormwater fees—commonly called the “rain tax”—on property owners.
Pugh said, “When fees disproportionately impact homeowners, small businesses and nonprofit organizations, often without regard to their ability to pay or proportional benefit received, the result is an inequitable system in which residents in certain municipalities bear significantly higher costs than similarly situated residents elsewhere in the Commonwealth, despite facing the same statewide environmental mandates.” She added that these fees have become unsustainable for many households and organizations already under financial strain.
Testifiers included Chet Mozloom from Dallas Area Municipal Authority; Mike Stash from Lehman Township; and Romilda Crocamo from Luzerne County. Mozloom stated in his testimony: “Those who are taxed feel inequitably targeted… The funding mechanism causes polarization within what should be something everyone sees as prudent.” Stash described charges ranging from $60 to thousands of dollars as setting up “an inequitable structural burden,” saying: “At a time when households are already facing rising utility bills and energy costs, relief from this unfair federal mandate burden is essential.”
Crocamo noted: “This fee disproportionately impacts certain residents within our county… Many families are already facing economic challenges, and this additional fee could further strain their budgets.” She raised concerns about fairness since other areas do not face similar fee structures.
Rowe concluded by stating: “As we move forward, we will continue working with stakeholders, municipalities, and our colleagues to identify solutions that protect our environment, respect local communities, and deliver freedom through affordability for Pennsylvania families.”
