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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.
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-- 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]
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