How HB 2880 changes current law

AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes new definitions and standards for renewable energy facilities, amending the existing municipal planning code to incorporate provisions for their development and siting.

• Section 107(a)

  "Combined energy generation and storage facility," a solar energy facility or wind energy facility that is paired with an energy storage facility and has a maximum facility output of at least 20 megawatts and the technical capacity to deliver the maximum facility output for a minimum duration of at least four hours.

  Adds a new definition for combined energy generation and storage facilities.

• Section 107(a)

  "Energy storage facility," a facility located in this Commonwealth that employs technology, including electrochemical, thermal or electromechanical technology or a technology defined as "energy storage technology" in 26 U.S.C. § 48E (relating to clean energy investment credit) or 26 CFR 1.48E-2(g)(6) (relating to qualified investments in qualified facilities and EST for purposes of section 48E) on the effective date of this definition, that is capable of absorbing and storing energy for use at a later time, is designed primarily to store energy for, and is connected to, the wholesale or distribution grid and has a maximum facility output of at least five megawatts and the technical capacity to deliver the maximum facility output for a minimum duration of at least four hours.

  Introduces a definition for energy storage facilities.

• Section 107(a)

  "Renewable energy facility," a solar energy facility, wind energy facility, energy storage facility or combined energy generation and storage facility.

  Defines renewable energy facilities to include various types of energy generation and storage.

• Section 301(a)(6)(viii) and (ix)

  [and] → [and] (x) Article VI-A.

  Adds a reference to Article VI-A related to renewable energy siting standards in the comprehensive planning requirements.

• Section 503(1)

  Review fees for the development and construction of a renewable energy facility shall be subject to section 606-A.

  Specifies that review fees for renewable energy facilities will adhere to a specific section.

• Section 603(b)

  that regulation of activities related to the siting of a renewable energy facility would exceed the requirements imposed under Article VI-A, → that regulation of activities related to the siting of a renewable energy facility would exceed the requirements imposed under Article VI-A,

  Clarifies that zoning ordinances must comply with Article VI-A regarding renewable energy facilities.

• Article VI-A

  ARTICLE VI-A RENEWABLE ENERGY SITING STANDARDS

  Creates a new article establishing siting standards for renewable energy.

• Section 601-A

  "Unauthorized local ordinance." An ordinance adopted or enforced by a municipality that prohibits or unreasonably delays, impedes or prevents the construction, operation or maintenance of a renewable energy facility, unless the ordinance is necessary to protect public health, safety or welfare.

  Defines unauthorized local ordinances that hinder the development of renewable energy facilities.

• Section 602-A

  Amendment.--A municipality that has adopted a subdivision and land development ordinance or zoning ordinance that is inconsistent with this article shall amend the ordinance to comply with this article within six months of the effective date of this subsection.

  Requires municipalities to amend inconsistent subdivision and zoning ordinances within six months.

• Section 603-A

  Regulation of renewable energy facilities.

  Establishes new regulations for the permitting of renewable energy facilities.