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House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	January 2, 2019 04:20 PM
From:	Representative Cris Dush
To:	All House members
Subject:	Alkaline Hydrolysis (water-based cremation)

I will soon be introducing legislation to establish a statutory definition of cremation. My legislation would amend the PA Consolidated Statutes Section 1991 to establish for the first time a definition for cremation, which would include a final disposition process called alkaline hydrolysis. Alkaline hydrolysis is method of final disposition that reduces the body to essential elements, which are mineral remains, or “ash” (and YES, the remains are by the true definition, “ash”). Just as with flame cremation, the family receives an urn with ashes. With alkaline hydrolysis, the family receives approximately 20% more. The process creates no emissions, uses 90% less energy than cremation by flame and has less than 1/10th the carbon footprint of cremation by flame. In funeral homes in states where this process has been permitted 80% of families have made the choice of alkaline hydrolysis. This bill will give Pennsylvania families a choice between burial, cremation by flame, and cremation by alkaline hydrolysis. This bill will make it possible for Commonwealth cremation professionals to offer this option to the families they serve. I hope you will join me in co-sponsoring this green, gentle method of disposition of the remains of loved ones in Pennsylvania. Previously HB 2430

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