The Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee has approved legislation to establish the Pennsylvania Landslide Insurance and Assistance Program, which would be operated by the Department of Environmental Protection.

Tony DeLuca

Rep. Tony DeLuca (D-Allegheny) said the program, which still needs the approval of the full House and Senate, would fill a need not served by private insurance companies.

“I know many people in western Pennsylvania have lost their homes to landslides because they did not have an opportunity to purchase insurance to protect their homes,” DeLuca said in a statement. “This program would give them an opportunity to buy landslide insurance, which is not offered right now by the private insurance companies.”

The legislation, H.B. 523, would create a statewide program consisting of three parts: an insurance fund; a revolving loan program, which would include a $2.5 million low interest loan fund; and a grant program to help residents with repairs.

DeLuca said the funding would be administered by a Pennsylvania Landslide Insurance and Assistance Board. The board members would determine insurance eligibility and coverage limits, and regulate the adjustment and settlement of claims.

DeLuca added that mine-related subsidence or heavy rains can cause the earth to move and result in severe damage to homes. He said many other areas in the state are susceptible to landfills.