State Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock joined Exeter School District officials, labor leaders and environmental advocates last Wednesday at Owatin Creek Elementary School to urge the Pennsylvania Senate to advance legislation that supporters say would expand solar energy production while helping lower electricity costs.
The press conference focused on House Bill 1260, known as the solar-ready warehouses bill, which would require newly constructed commercial warehouses to be built to accommodate future solar installations and support the development of solar arrays on existing warehouse properties.
Organizers chose Owatin Creek Elementary School to highlight Exeter School District’s recently approved solar project, which is expected to generate about 40% of the electricity used by seven district buildings and the transportation garage. District officials said the project is projected to save taxpayers more than $10 million over the next 30 years.
Rusnock, the prime sponsor of HB 1260, said Pennsylvania’s extensive warehouse infrastructure presents an opportunity to significantly increase in-state energy production.
“Pennsylvania is one of the logistics capitals of the country, meaning we have millions of square feet of empty warehouse roofs sitting under the sun doing absolutely nothing,” Rusnock said. “HB1260 is the definition of common-sense, low-hanging fruit. Solar is the cheapest form of electricity we have, and by fully utilizing this commercial real estate, we have the potential to generate enough local power for 1 million homes — that’s more than a traditional nuclear power plant. The House did its job and passed this bill. It is time for the Senate to deliver this direct financial relief to working families across our commonwealth.”
According to supporters, the bill has passed the Pennsylvania House but has not advanced in the Senate.
Exeter School District Superintendent Dr. Christy Haller said the district’s solar project demonstrates how renewable energy investments can help reduce long-term operating expenses.
“With utility prices rising quickly, schools need real solutions to reduce operating costs,” Haller said. “Here at Exeter, our solar project is allowing us to avoid skyrocketing electricity costs and invest more taxpayer dollars directly into student learning and our teachers rather than utility bills. The Solar for Schools program has been a game-changer, demonstrating that green infrastructure protects the taxpayers’ dime. This is a model that works, and it’s exactly what we should be doing across the commercial sector to support our local economies.”
Advocates also pointed to a report released this week by the Keystone Research Center, which they said found the legislation could generate enough electricity to power nearly 1 million homes.
Molly Parzen, executive director of Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, said the proposal would expand renewable energy production while creating jobs and reducing energy costs.
“HB1260 builds off the successful Solar for Schools model and represents a win-win-win: it cleans the air we breathe, creates local union jobs and lowers the skyrocketing electricity bills squeezing families,” Parzen said.
Rob Bair, president of the Pennsylvania State Building & Construction Trades Council, said the legislation would create opportunities for skilled union workers while supporting the state’s energy infrastructure.
Supporters of the legislation also argued Pennsylvania has fallen behind other states in renewable energy development, noting the commonwealth ranks near the bottom nationally in renewable energy growth. They concluded the event by encouraging residents to contact their state senators in support of House Bill 1260.
