Yaw Bill to Encourage Responsible Solar Development Approved by House Committee

HARRISBURG - The state House of Representatives Environmental Resources and Energy Committee recently approved legislation to encourage responsible solar development and protect landowners, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), sponsor of the measure.

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

Senate Bill 211 would establish decommissioning and financial requirements for solar generation projects and offer better protections for landowners. The proposal includes a graduated phase-in process for financial assurances, setting up five-year benchmarks using third-party professional engineers to assess and calculate fair market value of the project and costs to decommission it.

"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, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau president. "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 bill has moved to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw's website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.

CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel
717-787-3280