Rapp Legislation to Protect Landowners, High-Valued Farmlands Against Wind and Solar Liabilities Advances for PA House Consideration
HARRISBURG — Sponsored by Rep. Kathy Rapp (R-Warren/Crawford/ Forest), legislation seeking to protect landowners and high-valued farmlands against long-term liabilities associated with wind and solar energy development was reported out of the House Environmental Resources and Energy (ERE) committee on Tuesday.
“Pennsylvania must always strive for clear and uniform regulatory policy for all industries,” said Rapp. “This statewide decommissioning legislation is extremely necessary to establish a higher standard for addressing long-term concerns generated by the rapid and largely unregulated growth of solar and wind energy installations.”
House Bill 2104 would specifically assure the proper bonding and reclamation of lands leased to solar and wind energy facilities. Proof of the bond would be held with the county Recorder of Deeds and reported to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
“This legislation also recognizes the need to implement further protections for ‘prime farmland’ and leased lands greater than 10 acres,” said Rapp. “During a time when a decommissioned turbine or non-functioning solar panel leaking toxic chemicals can irresponsibly be tossed into the nearest landfill, waterway or some other unidentified location, landowners deserve assurance that their leased property will not be marred by the remnants of so-called alternative energy development 20 years from now.”
House Bill 2104 does not impact in any way a citizen or business installing panels or turbines on their own private property.
Rapp’s legislation now advances to the full House consideration.
Representative Kathy Rapp
65th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Ty McCauslin
717.772.9979
RepRapp.com /
Facebook.com/RepRapp