PSATS is calling on Gov. Josh Shapiro to veto Senate Bill 349, legislation that would establish a statewide solar decommissioning framework while invalidating local solar decommissioning ordinances adopted by municipalities across Pennsylvania.

For years, township officials have worked proactively to address the long-term challenges associated with utility-scale solar development, particularly the eventual removal of solar facilities when they reach the end of their useful lives. With guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and educational programs developed in partnership with PSATS, many townships invested significant time and taxpayer resources to craft local ordinances designed to protect residents and communities from future liabilities.

Throughout the legislative process, PSATS urged lawmakers to grandfather existing local ordinances so municipalities would not lose protections they had already put in place. Those requests were not included in the final version of the bill.

“Township officials followed the Commonwealth’s guidance, educated themselves on a new and emerging issue, and enacted local solutions to protect their communities,” said PSATS Executive Director David Sanko. “Invalidating those ordinances disregards years of effort by local governments and sends the wrong message to municipal officials who took a proactive approach to planning for the future.”

PSATS believes local officials are best positioned to address the unique needs of their communities and is urging the governor to reject SB 349 and preserve the local ordinances already adopted to address solar decommissioning concerns.