Walsh Releases Statement Regarding State’s “Rain Tax”

September 17, 2026

HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jamie Walsh (R-Luzerne) today released the following statement regarding an executive order signed by President Donald Trump to reverse federal stormwater managements fees, known as the “Rain Tax”:

“Yesterday, President Trump reversed an Obama-era executive order responsible for the creation of onerous stormwater management fees – also known as the Rain Tax – that have burdened families and businesses in northeastern Pennsylvania since its enactment. President Trump’s executive order eases the pain of a regulatory framework that has caused Luzerne County residents to pay exorbitant bills caused solely by the rain that falls on their houses and driveways. This executive order delivers long-awaited relief for our area, and I’m especially grateful to Congressmen Rob Bresnahan and Dan Meuser, who have led the fight to free northeastern Pennsylvania from the Rain Tax. This achievement is the result of their tireless efforts at the federal level. 

“This action imparts an obligation to the Pennsylvania Legislature to codify this relief into state law by passing House Bill 2360, legislation written by Rep. Brenda Pugh that I have signed onto as a co-sponsor. This bill would replace the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements with a more equitable, grant-funded formula. 

“The Pennsylvania House of Representatives and Senate have very few session days remaining before the end of the term. I urge my colleagues in both the House and Senate to act on this opportunity to lift the burden of the Rain Tax from our homeowners and municipalities.”