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.

Related Articles This Week - Energy:

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-- DEP Oil & Gas Advisory Board Meets March 13 To Hear Updates On Regulation Of Natural Gas Storage Areas, Chapter 78 Regs; Federal Well Plugging Program, Carbon Capture, Hydrogen Development  [PaEN]

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-- Scranton Times Editorial: Lower Boom On Natural Gas Leaks, Audit Abandoned Gas Well Capping  [PaEN]

-- Save Our Streams PA Hosting April 28-30 Abandoned Well Weekend Workshop In Bradford County  [PaEN]

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

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

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[Posted: March 8, 2023]

3/13/2023