Active state legislation is a threat to local land use decision-making for energy facilities. PSATS opposes any preemption of local land use decision-making. 

As negotiations continue on the commonwealth’s overdue 2025-2026 state budget, some are pushing to include statewide land use preemption for energy facilities in the final budget package. Code bills accompany the state budget and dictate how the funds will be used and often include new state programs. Some are advocating to include land use preemptions in these code bills. 

Legislation that would allow developers to proceed with their energy projects without local land use approvals is of particular concern. The language in HB 502 is part of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s “Lightning Plan” and is aimed at increasing energy production in Pennsylvania. The bill would allow energy developers to sidestep local zoning and permitting and instead receive siting approval through a state “RESET” board. This bill would preempt local decision-making and give the choice to the developer – not the residents – on large scale energy projects with big local impacts!  

Please help PSATS protect local land use authority by contacting your state House and Senate members to oppose HB 502 and any similar legislation in a budget package. You can do this by logging into psats.org and choosing Grassroots Advocacy in the Quick Links. This tool lets you reach out to your legislators with just a few clicks.  

Remind them all that local voices make local choices!