Pennsylvania House Bill HB430

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/25
• Refer: 1/31/25

Caption

Imposing the duty on Department of Environmental Protection to prohibit the construction or installation of wind turbines that negatively affect military installations.

Impact

The implementation of HB 430 is significant for state laws regarding environmental regulations and military operations. The bill changes the permitting process for wind turbines, making it contingent upon an assessment by the clearinghouse to evaluate compatibility with military missions. This new requirement could potentially delay or prohibit future wind energy projects if they are determined to interfere with military readiness. The bill aims to protect military training and operations from disruptions caused by wind energy development, aligning environmental policies with defense needs.

Summary

House Bill 430, also known as the Military Installation Training and Operations Preservation Act, mandates that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for prohibiting the construction or installation of wind turbines that could negatively impact military installations. The bill aims to ensure that any proposed wind turbine projects do not interfere with military readiness or pose risks to national security. Before proceeding with construction, wind turbine owners must obtain a written determination from the Military Aviation and Installation Assurance Siting Clearinghouse to confirm that their proposed projects would not have adverse effects on military operations.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 430 appears to reflect a strong recognition of the need to balance renewable energy development with national security concerns. Proponents of the bill, including military stakeholders and some legislative members, are likely to view it positively, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding military capabilities against potential risks posed by wind turbine construction. However, this could lead to criticism from environmental advocates and renewable energy supporters who might see the bill as a barrier to clean energy initiatives.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 430 involve the potential conflicts between advancing renewable energy solutions and maintaining national security. Critics may argue that while protecting military installations is essential, this bill might overly restrict wind energy development, hindering progress toward clean energy goals. Furthermore, opponents could raise concerns that the criteria for determining adverse impacts might be too stringent, effectively stifling investment in renewable energy infrastructure without sufficient justification. The negotiations around this bill may highlight broader discussions about energy independence and environmental sustainability.