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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
05/11/2024 03:06 AM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20230&cosponId=40563
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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: April 24, 2023 09:15 AM
From: Representative Danielle Friel Otten
To: All House members
Subject: Modernizing Pennsylvania's Renewable Energy Standards
 
The Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS) was a forward-looking policy when enacted in 2004, but neighboring states with stronger energy standards have now surpassed Pennsylvania, creating thousands of new, family-sustaining jobs and cutting emissions in the process. Over the last two years, Maryland (50%), New Jersey (50%), and New York (70%) have all significantly increased their renewable energy standards for 2030.

There is a clear opportunity cost of failing to take greater advantage of the environmental and economic opportunities that the renewable industry affords. The 2004 AEPS percentage requirements plateaued in 2021. Now is the time for Pennsylvania to set more ambitious long-term targets to address environmental and climate impacts and realize the economic potential of renewable energy in the Commonwealth.

I plan to introduce legislation to keep Pennsylvania competitive with surrounding states by setting realistic and achievable renewable energy requirements through the AEPS. My proposed legislation is a companion bill to SB 230, introduced in the Senate by Senator Steve Santarsiero.

Specifically, this legislation:
  • Expands the AEPS Tier I requirement from 8% to 30% by 2030, including specific targets for in-state grid-scale solar, community solar, and in-state distributed generation solar 
  • Creates a path for community solar projects that are not currently permitted in Pennsylvania. Community solar allows people who cannot install solar on their properties to subscribe to a portion of the energy generated by a solar system located in their community, which would be credited to their electric bill.
Renewable energy offers Pennsylvania residents, businesses, farms, nonprofits, and municipalities the opportunity to save money on their utility bills. It is time for us to increase our renewable energy goals, take full advantage of the historic opportunities available through the federal Inflation Reduction Act, and re-establish Pennsylvania as a clean energy leader. Failure to do so would both jeopardize our ability to achieve our climate action goals and effectively shut the door on thousands of new clean energy jobs throughout the state.

Please join me in support of this important legislation to make Pennsylvania a competitor and a leader in America’s renewable energy economy.


Introduced as HB1467