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Recently, a writer wrote a missive criticizing me and several of my colleagues, published in the June 2 Sun-Gazette. He accuses us of standing in the way of renewable energy projects, pointing to Senate Bill 349, which I sponsored, as an example. According to him, this bill is an obstacle to solar development. Like many of his assertions, that couldn't be further from the truth.
Let's start with the facts. Senate Bill 349 establishes decommissioning and financial requirements for solar generation projects. It does not block renewable energy - it provides clear, uniform rules to ensure responsible solar development and protects landowners from footing the bill.
In fact, the measure is supported by numerous solar associations, including the Solar Energy Industries Association and the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition, precisely because it brings predictability and fairness to the process. It's good for energy development, good for landowners and good for Pennsylvania.
The writer's disdain for fossil fuels is quite obvious, but that's not a serious approach to energy policy. Moreover, it ignores a key truth: every solar panel, wind turbine, electric car battery and even the computer he used to pen his critical commentary was made using fossil fuels. The mining, manufacturing and transportation required for these technologies all rely on oil, natural gas and coal. I would challenge him to name one clean or green energy project that was created without fossil fuels.
A diverse, reliable energy mix for the future certainly includes renewables, but also natural gas, nuclear and even carbon capture technologies. Pretending we can flip a switch and walk away from fossil fuels is misleading and unproductive.
Senate Bill 349 is not a roadblock - it's a roadmap. It's a commonsense approach that supports responsible solar development. I would challenge the writer to take an objective look at the legislation. The loudest voices in the room are often the most misinformed.
STATE SEN. GENE YAW
Loyalsock Township
Submitted by email