PA House Passes Bill to Allow Wind Power Generation Systems on Agricultural Conservation Easements

On June 11, 2013, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed HB 920. The bill was introduced on March 11, 2013, and amends P.L. 12, No, 43, the Agricultural Area Security Law. The bill allows a wind power generation system to be installed or used on an agricultural conservation easement if the subject land is 50 or more acres. The system may not occupy more than two acres if the subject land is less than 100 acres.  The system may occupy an additional two acres for every 50 acres the subject land is over 100. If any part of the subject land is subdivided, conveyed or transferred the subject land must remain 50 or more acres.  A wind power generation system is defined as “a system designed to collect and utilize wind power” and includes the foundation, appurtenant structure as well as new roads, bridges transmission lines and substations. 

For more information on HB 920, please see Pennsylvania’s General Assembly’s website.

 

Written By Clara E. Conklin– Research Assistant
Penn State Law – Agricultural Law Center
June 12, 2013