PRINTER'S NO. 2061
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
224
Session of
2023
INTRODUCED BY RABB, MALAGARI, MADDEN, HILL-EVANS, SANCHEZ, KHAN
AND OTTEN, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, SEPTEMBER 29, 2023
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a
study and establish an advisory committee to review and
analyze the opportunities for and benefits of agrivoltaic
farming systems in this Commonwealth.
WHEREAS, In recent years, Pennsylvania farmers have faced a
number of challenges, including the COVID pandemic and rising
input costs, such as rising costs for fertilizer; and
WHEREAS, On-farm solar, or agrivoltaic farming, offers
farmers and rural communities a consistent, long-term stream of
income and can boost agricultural productivity; and
WHEREAS, Agrivoltaic farming is the siting of elevated solar
panels above crops which can continue to be cultivated; and
WHEREAS, In some variations, agrivoltaic farming also
includes siting of elevated solar panels such that livestock may
graze among and around the solar panels; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania lost 6,000 farms between 2012 and 2017;
and
WHEREAS, Dual use of agricultural land with agrivoltaic
farming can be a farmland preservation tool; and
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WHEREAS, Consumption of renewable energy in the United States
hit a record high in 2020; and
WHEREAS, Renewable energy only accounts for 13% of total
United States energy production; and
WHEREAS, Solar energy may need to use 0.5% of United States
surface area to meet the 2050 renewable energy goals; and
WHEREAS, According to the United States Department of
Agriculture, agrivoltaic farming makes agriculture and solar
energy production complement each other rather than contrast;
and
WHEREAS, Several profitable crops fare better, or as well,
when grown beneath solar panels; and
WHEREAS, Pennsylvania legislators have an obligation to
assist struggling farmers in the face of challenges feeding our
communities; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to conduct a study and establish an
advisory committee to review and analyze the opportunities for
and benefits of agrivoltaic farming systems in this
Commonwealth; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the advisory committee be comprised of the
following members:
(1) The Secretary of Agriculture, or a designee.
(2) A member of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.
(3) A representative of an organization that advocates
for use of agrivoltaic technology.
(4) A representative of Penn State College of
Agricultural Sciences.
(5) Other individuals or representatives from
organizations selected by the Joint State Government
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Commission;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission, in
conducting the study, include findings and recommendations
regarding:
(1) A comprehensive accounting of which State, county
and local agencies utilize or would benefit from agrivoltaic
farming systems.
(2) Legislative solutions to boost agricultural
productivity.
(3) Suggestions to stabilize rising input costs for
farmers.
(4) Methods to facilitate the complementary nature of
agrivoltaic farming and solar energy production;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission issue a
report of its findings and recommendations to the House of
Representatives no later than one year from the adoption of this
resolution.
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