HARRISBURG —The state Senate approved legislation encouraging responsible solar development and offering better protections for landowners, according to Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Williamsport, sponsor of the measure.

Senate Bill 349 establishes decommissioning and financial requirements for solar generation projects, ensuring landowners won’t bear the burden of dismantling solar facilities once they cease operation. The proposal includes a graduated phase-in process for financial assurances, setting up five-year benchmarks using third-party professional engineers to assess and calculate fair market value of the project and costs to decommission it. “This bill provides uniformity and certainty statewide for solar generation facilities and landowners, which are often multi-generational,” Yaw said. “It is important that Pennsylvania offers a regulatory framework to ensure these facilities are safely and appropriately retired.” Earlier this year, the bill was unanimously approved by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, where Yaw serves as chairman. He noted the measure is supported by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, as well as several solar associations.

According to a spokesperson from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, “Senate Bill 349 is a critical step toward balancing the growth of renewable energy with the long-term interests of Pennsylvania’s farm families. By establishing clear decommissioning standards and financial protections, this legislation ensures that farmers who host solar projects aren’t left with the cost or burden of removing infrastructure when a project ends. It’s a commonsense approach that supports responsible energy development while safeguarding agricultural land for future generations.”