State lawmakers celebrate passage of Solar for Schools bill in major bipartisan energy push for Pennsylvania
Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler July 11, 2024 | 4:55 PM
HARRISBURG, July 11 — Today, the Pennsylvania House gave final approval to Solar for Schools (HB1032), introduced by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. With prior passage in the Senate, this bill now moves to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law.
HB1032 will create a grant program to help school districts across Pennsylvania fund and install solar panels on school grounds. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project — while creating good-paying jobs and bringing career training opportunities to their schools. It is the first initiative of its kind to be passed in Pennsylvania.
Fiedler calls the passage of this bill “a groundbreaking victory for energy, education and environmental policy in Pennsylvania.”
“When we wrote Solar for Schools, we set out to create a piece of legislation that would unite labor and environmental groups to build the future we all want for our kids,” Fiedler said. “Since then, we’ve not only won Solar — we’ve created something so much bigger. We now have proof that environmental and labor leaders, Democrats and Republicans, can work together to usher Pennsylvania into the 21st Century and ensure we are a nationwide leader in the energy of the future. I’m incredibly proud of Solar for Schools, and so excited for the communities that will soon benefit from all that this program has to offer. But it’s truly just the beginning!”
The legislation is a sweeping response to some of the most pressing issues facing Pennsylvanians today. Last year, the Commonwealth Court ruled that public schools face a constitutional funding crisis, exacerbated by high energy costs; communities across the state struggle with job loss and shrinking tax bases; and the threat of climate change looms.
Fiedler said Solar for Schools responds threefold by delivering unprecedented investment in solar energy that gives schools a tool to combat underfunding, creates new jobs in a fast-growing industry, and increases production of renewables. It leverages federal Inflation Reduction Act funds and state dollars to keep installation costs low for schools.
The bill was championed by a bipartisan, bicameral coalition of legislators determined to deliver on clean energy and good jobs. Members across partisan lines celebrated the passage of the legislation.
“My amendment to House Bill 1032 made the underlying bill stronger and better for school districts struggling through no fault of their own,” shared state Rep. Jim Struzzi, R-Indiana. “The amended Solar for Schools bill would give preference to school districts like Homer-Center that are impacted by coal industry power plants which have been shut down. I appreciate Rep. Fiedler working with me on addressing this issue and bringing this opportunity to save money in reduced energy costs to our local districts.”
“Just a few years ago, I wouldn’t have thought this kind of collaboration would be possible. But the sun is shining on a new day for Pennsylvania,” said Robert S. Bair, president of the Pennsylvania Building Trades Council. “No matter what party, no matter what part of the state, Pennsylvanians want good jobs and a healthy planet to leave for their kids. The bipartisan success of Solar for Schools proves that our commonwealth is committed to both our legacy of energy production and putting union members to work in the future.”
“HB1032 is not just a big win for our schools, it’s a win for workers, taxpayers, and the environment. I was proud to support the bill in my committee and continue that support as it moves through the legislative process,” said state Rep. Rob Matzie, D-Beaver, majority chair for the House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee.
“By working with legislators representing both parties, we were able to achieve meaningful reform for Pennsylvania. I’m happy we fully focused on what is best for Pennsylvania students and taxpayers so we can access federal grant money to help fund the solar panels that will reduce costs,” said state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Beaver/Greene/Washington.
“This legislation is a great example of the forward progress we can and should be achieving for our schools,” said state Sen. Vince Hughes, D-Montgomery/Phila. “Solar for Schools will improve the efficiency of school buildings and simultaneously save school districts money, which in turn can be put to use for other needs of our students and teachers. I’m happy to see this legislation move forward and I’m hopeful we can deliver even more for Pennsylvania schools and classrooms as we finalize budget negotiations.”
"I was pleased to work with Rep. Fiedler on this bill, which promotes the use of renewable energy in a fiscally responsible manner. This initiative will not only provide students with firsthand knowledge of how solar energy works but also incorporates a financial aspect, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience,” said state Sen. Dan Laughlin, R-Erie.
"We are ecstatic that the legislature has approved Solar for Schools legislation on a bipartisan basis," said Molly Parzen, executive director of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania. "Solar for Schools will enable Pennsylvania to unlock federal clean energy funding available through President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act to lower costs for Pennsylvania schools by investing in clean, solar energy. Simultaneously, it will improve air quality, increase access to renewable energy and create union jobs in communities across our commonwealth. We laud Rep. Fiedler and her colleagues for their ability to forge a bipartisan partnership that brought together school districts, labor and environmental advocates. We look forward to Governor Shapiro's signature."
“The Solar for Schools Act is a win for Pennsylvania’s students, communities, and taxpayers. Utility bills are typically the second largest expense for schools, and solar energy will help save schools money that can be invested into our students,” said Shannon Crooker, Pennsylvania director for Generation 180. “Generation 180 is ready to help more Pennsylvania schools access the benefits of clean, affordable energy.”
The bill’s success is thanks in large part to the advocacy of organizations including the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council, Philadelphia AFL-CIO, Allegheny County Labor Council, LIUNA Mid-Atlantic, IBEW Mid-Atlantic, IBEW Local 98, Operating Engineers Local 542, Operating Engineers Local 66, IUPAT DC21, American Federation of Teachers Pennsylvania, AFT Local 2026, Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, Sierra Club Pennsylvania, PennFuture, PennEnvironment, Sunrise Movement, Evangelical Environment Network, Vote Solar, Audubon Society Pennsylvania, PA Clean Air Council, Moms Clean Air Force, Pennsylvania School Boards Association, the School District of Philadelphia, McClure Company, Generation 180, Philadelphia Solar Energy Association, Solar States, EbonySuns Enterprises, POWER Interfaith, Pennsylvania Stands Up, Hunting Park Community Solar Initiative, and Climate Witness Project.