State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler’s Solar for Schools plan has passed both the House and Senate and was recently signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro.
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 bill will create a grant program to help Pennsylvania school districts pay for and install solar panels on school grounds as a cost-effective measure. By generating their own energy, districts can save millions of dollars over the life of a solar project while creating jobs and bringing career training opportunities to their schools. It is the first initiative of its kind to be passed in Pennsylvania.
“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.”
The legislation partly answers challenges facing local school districts. Last year, Commonwealth Court ruled that public schools face a constitutional funding crisis, fueled by high energy costs. Some communities across the state struggle with job loss and shrinking tax bases.
“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, chairman of the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee.
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.
“This legislation is a great example of the forward progress we can and should be achieving for our schools,” said state Sen. Vince Hughes. “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.”
