PA House passes bill allowing wind power installation on preserved farm land
A bill that was first introduced in the Pennsylvania legislature in 2011 has passed the state House by 194-1. House Bill (HB) 188 relates to wind power use within the state. It was introduced by Rep. Curt Sonney and would allow a farm land owner to grant access to install a wind power generation system on their property.
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Rep. Curt Sonney. Credit: Rep. Sonney |
"I originally introduced this legislation four years ago and we have now managed for a second time to get it through the House for consideration by the Senate," Sonney said. "I'm hoping this is the first step toward eventually advancing the bill to Governor Tom Wolf's desk for his signature."
According to the bill, the owner of the farm land must have a minimum of 50 acres of currently-preserved farm land to be considered for construction, but the bill also requires certain parameters to be met to protect the integrity of the land. For instance, if the landowner has less than 100 acres, the wind system "must be constructed on no more than two acres" of the land. The landowner, or any future owner of the property, would also not be able to subdivide their property to fewer than 50 acres.
The state currently allows owners of preserved farm land to grant access for other types of installation, but not yet wind. HB 188 would amend the state's Agricultural Area Security Law, which was passed in 1981.
"Under existing law, owners of preserved farm land may grant a right-of-way for the installation, transportation or use of water, sewage, electric, telephone, coal or non-coal minerals by underground mining methods," added Sonney, who represents Erie County, Pennsylvania, where the wind potential could be important because of the lake wind effect off Lake Erie.
HB 188 heads to the Pennsylvania State Senate next.
For more:
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bill
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