Pennsylvania House Bill HB1080

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/1/25
• Refer: 4/1/25

Caption

In environmental protection, providing for decommissioning of solar energy facilities.

Impact

One significant aspect of HB 1080 is its preemption of local ordinances and regulations. This means that the regulation of solar energy facility decommissioning will be uniformly managed at the state level, which proponents argue is necessary to prevent a fragmented approach that could lead to inconsistent practices across different municipalities. Critics, however, view this preemption as an encroachment on local governance, raising concerns that it may undermine community authority to impose more stringent regulations based on local conditions and priorities.

Summary

House Bill 1080 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Title 27 (Environmental Resources) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to specifically address the decommissioning of solar energy facilities. This bill outlines detailed procedures that grantees, or owners of solar energy facilities, must follow to ensure they properly decommission their facilities once they cease production of electricity. The key requirement mandates that grantees provide a comprehensive decommissioning plan and sufficient financial assurance to cover the costs of decommissioning, thereby protecting landowners and the environment from potential neglect following the facility's closure.

Sentiment

The sentiment within the legislature regarding HB 1080 appears mixed. Supporters, primarily from environmental and business sectors, emphasize the importance of having clear and enforceable standards for decommissioning solar projects to ensure accountability and environmental protection. Conversely, opponents express worries about the loss of local control over environmental standards and believe that there should be more localized input in regulatory decisions, especially considering potential regional environmental issues.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1080 include concerns about the bill's provisions related to ensuring compliance with federal anti-forced labor laws. While the bill necessitates an attestation of compliance from grantees, critics question the effectiveness and enforceability of these provisions. Furthermore, the bill's financial assurance requirements, which involve periodic assessments of decommissioning costs by third-party engineers, are subject to debate regarding their sufficiency and the potential burdens they might impose on solar energy developers.