Bill > HB1567

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for power plant host community benefit agreements and impact fees for electric generating facilities with a capacity of at least 10 megawatts (excluding alternative energy sources). The bill requires facility owners to engage in discussions with local municipalities, counties, and school districts to develop benefit agreements and mandates public hearings before finalizing these agreements. Facility owners must pay substantial up-front and annual fees to the local jurisdictions, including $1,000 per megawatt to the municipality, $200 per megawatt to the county up-front, and annual payments of $700 per megawatt to the municipality, $500 per megawatt to the school district, and $500 per megawatt to the county. These fees are subject to annual increases tied to the Consumer Price Index. The funds must be used for specific purposes such as infrastructure maintenance, emergency services, environmental programs, water quality monitoring, social services, and energy assistance. The bill also requires facility owners to submit a public participation plan to the Department of Environmental Protection and mandates that local jurisdictions hold public meetings to discuss potential benefit agreements. Additionally, facility owners must pay an annual administrative fee of $300 per megawatt to the department to cover administrative expenses and develop monitoring programs. The legislation aims to provide financial compensation and community engagement for localities hosting large electric generating facilities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1567