Legislation to allow alkaline hydrolysis cremation in PA passes House
Rep. Mary Jo Daley, Rep. Christopher M. Rabb October 1, 2025 | 1:05 PM
HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed bipartisan legislation to authorize the use of alkaline hydrolysis as a form of cremation in Pennsylvania, according to the bill’s sponsors, state Reps. Mary Jo Daley, Abby Major and Chris Rabb.
Alkaline hydrolysis – sometimes referred to as water cremation – uses a mixture of water and alkali in a sealed pressurized steel chamber to reduce the body to bone, which is then processed into ash. Unlike traditional flame cremation, which requires temperatures of more than 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit and significant energy use, water cremation is far more energy efficient.
“As more families choose cremation, it’s important to recognize the environmental costs that come with flame-based methods,” said Daley, D-Montgomery. “People often assume cremation is the greener alternative to burial, but in reality, it requires tremendous energy consumption.”
The legislation also gives families more choices when deciding end-of-life wishes.
“As a licensed funeral home director, I have seen firsthand the significant shift to the use of cremation after a loved one dies,” said Major, R-Armstrong/Westmoreland. “By allowing for alkaline hydrolysis, we can offer folks another choice for disposition that is already available in more than half of the states in our country.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, alkaline hydrolysis consumes only about one-quarter of the energy required for flame cremation.
“Confronting the climate crisis means ensuring sustainable options in every sector, including end-of-life practices,” said state Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila. “Authorizing alkaline hydrolysis gives Pennsylvanians a choice for cremation that results in significantly less carbon emissions than traditional cremation. This bill is about extending our values of dignity and sustainability across every industry, through every stage of life.”
“This legislation is about giving Pennsylvanians greater choice while also moving toward practices that are both dignified and environmentally responsible,” Daley added. “Complex challenges demand innovative solutions, and end-of-life care is no exception.”
The bill now advances to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. This legislation passed the House in the 2024-25 session but was not voted on by the Senate.