PA HB502

Establishes the Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board within the Department of Environmental Protection to streamline permitting for energy generating facilities of 25+ megawatts and storage facilities of 10+ megawatts with 4-hour minimum discharge capacity

Seven-member board includes representatives from DEP, Community and Economic Development, Labor and Industry, Public Utility Commission, Building and Construction Trades Council, Chamber of Business and Industry, and Environmental Justice Advisory Board

Certificate of reliable energy supply preempts local zoning and land use approvals that would delay or prevent construction, though facilities cannot be sited on property zoned residential since January 1, 2024, or where local approval was previously denied

Board must hold public hearing within 45 days of complete application and issue decision within 90 days; application fees are 50¢ per kilowatt capacity (capped at $150,000), with additional 5¢ per kilowatt for sites in wildlife habitat connectivity areas deposited to Fish and Boat and Game Commissions

Appeals go to Environmental Hearing Board with 180-day decision deadline; challengers must prove board decision was arbitrary and capricious based solely on the administrative record