PA Environment Digest Blog: Bill Setting Decommissioning Rules For Utility-Scale Solar Energy Facilities Passes The Senate

On March 8, the Senate passed Senate Bill 211 (Yaw-R-Lycoming) sets decommissioning rules for utility-scale solar energy facilities by a vote of 36 to 13, largely along party-lines-- Republicans supporting.

The bill incorporated many best industry practices and includes provisions that would--

-- Preempt local ordinances and regulations on decommissioning;

--Require the restoration of the property to a condition reasonably similar to its condition before the commencement of construction, including the replacement of topsoil removed or eroded on previously productive agricultural land.

-- Require financial assurance may be in the form of a bond, escrow account, or irrevocable letter of credit from a financial institution to cover decommissioning costs; and

-- Require compliance with the federal Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.

The bill now goes to the House for action.

-- Rep. Greg Vitali Named Majority Chair Of House Environmental Committee; House Appoints Committee Members [PaEN]

-- Rep. Fiedler, Labor Leaders, Educational, Environmental Leaders Announce Bill To Create Grant Program To Invest In Solar Energy Facilities At Schools [PaEN]

-- U.S. EIA: 'Increasing Electricity Generation From Renewable Sources Contributes To Lower Power Prices' In 2023 [PaEN]

-- Bill Setting Decommissioning Rules For Utility-Scale Solar Energy Facilities Passes The Senate [PaEN]

-- Senate Passes Bill Blocking Local Elected Officials From Moving To Cleaner Energy Sources To Combat Climate Change [PaEN]

-- Sen. Yaw Proposes Independent Energy Office To Promote Development Of PA’s Diverse Energy Portfolio - Natural Gas, Nuclear Power, Coal [PaEN]

-- The Guardian: One Of The Worst Global Methane Leaks In 2022 Was In PA - Equitrans In Cambria County; Routine Abandonment, Non-Compliance Of Conventional Gas Wells [PaEN]

-- U.S. Senate Hearing: Energy, Environmental Impacts Of Cryptocurrency Mining In Pennsylvania [PaEN]

-- Republicans On Senate Committee Report Out Bill Allowing General Assembly To Kill Regulations By Doing Nothing [PaEN]

-- Norfolk Southern CEO To Appear March 20 Before PA Senate Committee To Answer Questions About Ohio/PA Train Derailment; Committee Subpoenas Documents [PaEN]