‘Dignified’ water cremation bill passes PA House
For decades, cremation has been on the rise as the preferred method of disposition in the United States. As many embrace more environmentally conscious lifestyles, some are looking for eco-friendly alternatives to the carbon-heavy practice.
One of those alternatives is alkaline hydrolysis, also known as “aquamation” or water cremation. On Oct. 1, a bill that would legalize it passed 152-51 in the state House of Representatives.
“People often assume cremation is the greener alternative to burial, but in reality, it requires tremendous energy consumption,” said the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Mary Jo Daley, D-Montgomery. “This legislation is
about giving Pennsylvanians greater choice while also moving toward practices that are both dignified and environmentally responsible.” This is the second passage for the same legislation in the House, and
representatives are hopeful it will be taken up by the Senate this session.
“As a state lawmaker who represents constituencies deeply concerned about environmental sustainability, knowing that there are more green, safe and legal disposition methods is something that is fully embraced,”
said co-sponsor Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Philadelphia. “This bill is a win for funeral homes, consumers and the environment. I look forward to bipartisan support in the Senate.”
Unlike flame cremation, alkaline hydrolysis does not emit greenhouse gases and uses a fraction of the energy. Instead, it reduces bodies by immersing them in a heated solution of water and alkaline chemicals,
leaving loved ones with a fine powder of bone fragments similar to the ashes produced in traditional cremation.