Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Lake Erie Energy Development Act to authorize the leasing of submerged lands in Lake Erie for the development of wind and solar energy projects in the state of Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Establishes the Lake Erie Energy Development Act to authorize the leasing of submerged lands in Lake Erie for the development of wind and solar energy projects in Pennsylvania (Ch 1-8, Sec. 101-801).

• Establishes the regulatory framework and terms for leases, feasibility studies, permitting, and utility upgrades, among other objectives (Ch 1-8, Sec. 101-801).

• Authorizes the leasing of between 25-10,000 contiguous acres within the bed of Lake Erie for the development of wind and solar power projects concentrated in the central and western portions of the lake to avoid near-shore areas, shipping lanes, and migratory animal passages (Ch 1-8, Sec. 101-801).

• Requires the state Department of Environmental Protection (EPA) to be in charge of this bill's administration (Ch 1-8, Sec. 101-801).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect 120 days following the final adjournment date of the current legislative session (Ch. 9. Sec. 901).

Full Bill Text