By Blake Jackson
Lawmakers in Harrisburg are proposing legislation that could hinder the growth of solar energy in Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 211 imposes stricter bonding and decommissioning requirements on solar projects, making them less economically viable.
These new regulations disproportionately affect solar energy compared to other energy industries and land use projects.
This could limit economic opportunities for farmers who lease their land for solar development, as well as restrict their property rights.
Additionally, it could lead to the development of farmland for purposes that are not compatible with future agricultural use.
SB 211 contrasts with Act 96 of 2022, which reduced bonding requirements for the conventional oil and gas industry.
This places the burden of plugging abandoned wells on Pennsylvania taxpayers, as many drilling companies are not covering the full costs.
Solar development offers several benefits, including clean energy production and minimal environmental impact. However, SB 211 could create additional barriers for solar projects, while protecting other industries that have a history of harming the environment.
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Categories: Pennsylvania, Energy, Government & Policy