Shapiro signs two new bills into Pennsylvania law

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Governor Shapiro recently signed two new bills into Pennsylvania law, both centering around solar power and Pa. energy.

HB 1032 , called the Pennsylvania Solar for Schools Grant Program, will issue grants to school districts, intermediate units, career and technical schools and community colleges. The grants will cover the costs of the purchase and installation of equipment, permit fees, energy storage and utility interconnection.

The Department of Community and Economic Development is planned to administer the program as well as provide technical assistance to schools and help them access additional funding opportunities through the federal Inflation Act.

“The signing of HB1032 means Pennsylvanians will soon have access to more well-paying jobs, better funded schools, and a cleaner environment,” Rep. Elizabeth Fielder, prime sponsor of the Solar for Schools Act, said. “After a long 18 months of visiting schools across the commonwealth and collaborating with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I am honored that Governor Shapiro has brought this bill across the finish line. Solar for Schools is a major victory, and I am humbled to share it with so many strong allies. I look forward to helping school districts across the commonwealth benefit from the program.”

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SB 831 will direct the Commonwealth to apply for primary enforcement authority from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for carbon dioxide underground interjection wells. The new law will also ensure that Pa. does not adopt standards which are any more stringent than those required by the EPA.

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