Aug. 18, 2025
LUZERNE – Rep. Brenda Pugh (R-Luzerne) has introduced a bipartisan resolution,
House Resolution 286, urging Congress to address the growing financial burden placed on local governments and residents by the federally mandated Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program.
“Municipalities across the Commonwealth are being forced to implement, or significantly raise, stormwater fees to comply with this unfunded federal mandate,” said Pugh. “This so-called ‘rain tax’ has placed a disproportionate burden on the people and communities in my district—and many others.”
The MS4 Program, originally expanded under Executive Order 13508 signed by former President Barack Obama in 2009, requires municipalities to manage and reduce stormwater pollution from urban and suburban runoff. Under the mandate, local governments must develop pollution reduction plans and obtain discharge permits, often requiring costly infrastructure upgrades.
“These requirements come without sufficient federal funding, leaving municipalities with no choice but to pass the cost onto residents and business owners,” Pugh said. “It’s unsustainable and unfair.”
Pugh emphasized the unequal impact of the mandate.
“The state of Pennsylvania itself doesn’t pay these fees on their properties and roads, so why should our schools, churches, small businesses and homeowners be left to shoulder the cost alone? “It’s a burden to those who live here, work here and learn here.
“Even worse, not all communities or states are participating in the program. It’s fundamentally unfair that only a handful are being fully forced to comply and bear the cost. We need consistency and equity, not selective enforcement.”
House Resolution 286 calls on Congress, President Donald Trump, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revisit and revise the MS4 framework to create a more balanced and workable solution for local communities.
“My resolution calls upon President Donald Trump and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to work with Congress to update the law. Provisions in the law must be updated to better address the issue of water pollution and provide fairness across the board to residents and businesses alike,” Pugh concluded.
The resolution has been referred to the PA House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee for consideration.
Representative Brenda Pugh
120th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717.260.6522
mefox@pahousegop.com
RepPugh.com / Facebook.com/RepBrendaPugh