Pennsylvania bill bans state and local agencies from restricting natural gas and energy-specific household appliances

Original title: An Act prohibiting restrictions on household appliances by Commonwealth agencies and municipalities; and providing for civil actions authorized.

Last action · February 5, 2025: Referred to ENERGY, Feb. 5, 2025Sponsors: Marty Causer and 18 others

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Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Would Do

House Bill 515 prohibits Commonwealth agencies and municipalities from adopting policies that ban the sale, installation, or use of natural gas-powered appliances, outdoor cooking equipment, and appliances powered by specific energy sources. The measure authorizes individuals to file civil actions for or damages within 180 days of an alleged violation. The act takes effect in 60 days.

Why it matters

Residents and businesses retain the legal right to purchase and use natural gas heating and specific energy-powered equipment without local or state bans, and gain the ability to sue in court if an agency or enforces such a restriction.

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Commonwealth agencies

Executive branch offices, departments, authorities, boards, and commissions are barred from adopting policies that prohibit specific energy-source appliances.

Directly affected

Municipalities

Counties, cities, boroughs, townships, municipal authorities, and intergovernmental entities are prohibited from enacting zoning or building code restrictions against specific energy-source appliances.

Directly affected

Residents and property owners

Individuals gain the legal protection to use natural gas and energy-specific appliances and can file civil lawsuits within 180 days if a local or state agency violates the ban.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my local municipality ban natural gas hookups or appliances under this bill?

No. House Bill 515 explicitly prohibits municipalities and Commonwealth agencies from adopting any policy, zoning rule, or building code that bans the sale, installation, or use of natural gas-powered home heating and appliances.

What can I do if a local agency or municipality violates this prohibition?

A person who alleges a violation can bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking or other appropriate damages.

What is the deadline for filing a civil lawsuit regarding an appliance restriction?

A civil action must be filed within 180 days after the occurrence of the alleged violation.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

1 action

Feb 5, 2025HouseCommittee
Referred to ENERGY, Feb. 5, 2025

Version history

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