Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB798

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/28/23
• Refer: 6/28/23

Caption

Providing for solar energy facilities on certain land; imposing powers and duties on the Department of Agriculture; and providing for a tax credit.

Impact

The bill empowers the Department of Agriculture to enforce soil classification assessments and grants tax credits related to the operation of solar energy facilities. Owners of qualified solar installations can receive tax credits capped at $5,000,000 in total annual credits, thus incentivizing the use of less productive land such as brownfields, abandoned mines, capped landfills, and rooftops of warehouses. This approach aligns with broader environmental goals by promoting the repurposing of potentially contaminated or otherwise less viable land for solar energy generation.

Summary

Senate Bill 798, also known as the Solar Energy Facility Location Act, aims to regulate the placement of solar energy facilities on specific types of land while establishing a tax credit for the owners of these facilities. The bill prohibits solar facilities on agricultural land with Class 1 or Class 2 soils, which are deemed valuable for farming. This regulation is designed to protect vital agricultural resources from being converted to energy production sites, ensuring that the state's agricultural capacity is preserved while facilitating renewable energy initiatives.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding SB798 appears to focus on balancing agricultural interests with the growing demand for renewable energy. Supporters argue that the bill reflects a conscientious approach to land use and emphasizes the importance of protecting valuable agricultural soils. However, critics express concerns that such regulations may limit the opportunities for solar development in Pennsylvania, thereby hindering progress in achieving renewable energy goals. The discussion underscores a tension between protecting agricultural assets and advancing environmental sustainability.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the decision to exclude agricultural land with richer soils from the solar facility development, potentially seen as a restriction by renewable energy advocates. There are also concerns about the stringent criteria for land eligibility, as some stakeholders believe this may artificially limit solar energy expansion in the state. Additionally, opponents may argue that the tax credit system could favor larger entities capable of navigating the complexities of applications and installations, raising issues of equity in the renewable energy landscape.