The state Senate recently approved legislation that would address electricity generation shortages in the PJM grid and expand energy development by speeding up site preparation.
Senate Bill 704 directs the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to identify suitable sites for natural gas electric generation projects. The sites must be near producing natural gas wells or pipelines carrying natural gas produced in Pennsylvania and existing electric transmission infrastructure capable of transmitting the generated electricity to wholesale markets. The sites also must be likely to create economically viable natural gas electric generation projects that provide economic benefits to surrounding municipalities and the state.
The department would submit a list of suitable sites to the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Bureau of Air Quality that would publish the list on the department’s website.
“This bill is about getting projects from concept to construction faster,” state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford), the bill’s sponsor, said. “By improving coordination between DCED and DEP, we can attract major energy investment, create family-sustaining jobs and help ensure Pennsylvania remains a national energy leader.”
The bill now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration. If signed into law, the bill would take effect after 60 days.