The Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee in the House of Representatives has unanimously approved a bill aimed at encouraging responsible solar development while offering better protections for landowners. This legislation, sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw (R-23), seeks to establish decommissioning and financial requirements for solar generation projects.
Senate Bill 349 is designed to ensure that landowners will not be responsible for dismantling solar facilities once they cease operation. The proposal includes a graduated phase-in process for financial assurances, with five-year benchmarks assessed by third-party professional engineers to determine the fair market value of the project and its decommissioning costs.
“This bill provides uniformity and certainty statewide for solar generation facilities and landowners, which are often multi-generational,” said Yaw. “It is important that Pennsylvania offers a regulatory framework to ensure these facilities are safely and appropriately retired.”
The bill had previously been overwhelmingly approved by the state Senate. It has received support from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and several solar associations.
A spokesperson from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau commented on the legislation: “Senate Bill 349 is a critical step toward balancing the growth of renewable energy with the long-term interests of Pennsylvania’s farm families. By establishing clear decommissioning standards and financial protections, this legislation ensures that farmers who host solar projects aren’t left with the cost or burden of removing infrastructure when a project ends. It’s a commonsense approach that supports responsible energy development while safeguarding agricultural land for future generations.”
The bill now proceeds to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
For more information on state-related news, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.
