Pennsylvania HR 53: A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study regarding the feasibility and potential benefits of the development of offshore hydropower, solar and wind renewable energy generation systems on Lake Erie.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 473
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 53
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY MERSKI, KHAN, RABB, GIRAL, NEILSON, SANCHEZ,
PIELLI, HILL-EVANS, HARKINS, GREEN, HANBIDGE, BURGOS, WAXMAN,
WEBSTER AND STEELE, FEBRUARY 4, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND NATURAL RESOURCE
PROTECTION, FEBRUARY 4, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a
study regarding the feasibility and potential benefits of the
development of offshore hydropower, solar and wind renewable
energy generation systems on Lake Erie.
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth is recognized as being one of the
leading states in the nation for energy production; and
WHEREAS, While Pennsylvania's renewable energy production is
increasing, this Commonwealth still ranks near the bottom in the
nation for renewable energy generation; and
WHEREAS, According to data from the Federal Energy
Information Administration, as of 2023, Pennsylvania ranked 45th
in the nation in energy production from hydropower, solar and
wind; and
WHEREAS, In 2023, more than half of the 250,000 jobs added in
the energy sector were in renewable energy and jobs in renewable
energy grew at more than twice the rate of the overall United
States labor market; and
WHEREAS, According to the United States Department of
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Energy's annual United States Energy and Employment Report
published in September 2024, renewable energy jobs comprise more
than 40% of the country's 8.35 million people employed in the
energy industry; and
WHEREAS, Renewable energy projects are not only good for the
environment by helping to reduce air pollution and carbon
emissions, but jobs in the renewable energy production sector
are generally good-paying, family-sustaining jobs due to the
high demand for skilled workers and the rapid growth of the
sector; and
WHEREAS, Erie County is home to a strong manufacturing
infrastructure, training programs, institutions that focus on
manufacturing innovation and skills and a skilled workforce that
can tap into the renewable energy economy for both northwestern
Pennsylvania and the entire Commonwealth; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission to conduct a study and issue a
report on the feasibility and potential benefits or drawbacks of
developing offshore hydropower, solar and wind energy projects
on Pennsylvania's portion of Lake Erie; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the study:
(1) identify and examine the potential job creation by
developing offshore hydropower, solar and wind energy
projects on Pennsylvania's portion of Lake Erie, including
the types of jobs that may be created, such as construction,
maintenance and manufacturing of parts and transportation,
and the expected salary of each type of job;
(2) aggregate the existing economic impact analysis of
the establishment of offshore hydropower, solar and wind
energy projects on Pennsylvania's portion of Lake Erie;
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(3) identify best practices for the development and
implementation of offshore hydropower, solar and wind energy
projects for the Lake Erie region;
(4) aggregate the potential reduction in air and climate
pollution and carbon emissions that may be diverted by
developing offshore hydropower, solar and wind energy on
Pennsylvania's portion of Lake Erie; and
(5) aggregate the amount of power that may be created
from offshore hydropower, solar and wind energy projects on
Pennsylvania's portion of Lake Erie, and the projected number
of houses that this energy could approximately power on an
annual basis;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission consult
with organizations and businesses that:
(1) have organizational missions and expertise in the
development, production and maintenance of offshore
hydropower, solar and wind energy projects in the United
States, or make parts and components necessary for these
projects;
(2) have expertise on aquatic habitat protection, bird
habitat and migratory flight patterns and ecosystem
protection;
(3) are labor leaders and experts in the region and
Statewide; and
(4) have knowledge of relevant issues;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission be
authorized to consult with surrounding states and business
leaders that have knowledge of relevant issues; and be it
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further
RESOLVED, That the Joint State Government Commission prepare
a report of its findings and recommendations and submit the
report to the following no later than 12 months after the
adoption of this resolution:
(1) The chair and minority chair of the Communications
and Technology Committee of the Senate.
(2) The chair and minority chair of the Environmental
Resources and Energy Comm