Lycoming News

The state House of Representatives Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has approved a bill aimed at encouraging responsible solar development while safeguarding landowners. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), seeks to provide a consistent regulatory framework for solar generation facilities across Pennsylvania.

"This bill provides uniformity and certainty statewide for solar generation facilities and landowners, which are often multi-generation," said Sen. Yaw. "It is important that Pennsylvania offers a regulatory framework to ensure these facilities are safely and appropriately retired."

Senate Bill 211 proposes decommissioning and financial requirements for solar projects, alongside enhanced protections for landowners. It includes a phase-in process for financial assurances, using five-year benchmarks determined by third-party professional engineers who will assess the fair market value of the project and decommissioning costs.

"Pennsylvania Farm Bureau commends Sen. Yaw for his leadership on Senate Bill 211, which provides crucial protections for landowners involved in solar energy projects," said Chris Hoffman, president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. "By establishing clear decommissioning requirements and financial assurances, this bill ensures that landowners won’t bear the burden of dismantling solar facilities once they cease operation."

The legislation now moves to the full House of Representatives for further consideration.

For more information on state-related matters, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on social media @SenatorGeneYaw.