Latest news with #SenateBill149
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers unveil revolutionary project that could transform how we power our homes: 'Nobody can stop the ... revolution'
A newly announced solar energy project in California highlights legislation that will fast-track such efforts, bringing more green energy to the state while revitalizing otherwise-unused farmland. Gov. Gavin Newsom in March announced the certification of the Cornucopia Hybrid Project. This allows for legal challenges to be expedited, which could save months or years on the project's completion. The site encompasses 2,000 acres in Fresno County, in the central portion of California. As CleanTechnica reports, it is on "non-prime agricultural land," meaning the installation of solar panels in fields won't disrupt farmland of high value. When complete, the project will create 300 megawatts of solar power and 300 megawatts of battery storage, enough energy to power up to 300,000 homes in the area. "By fast-tracking critical projects like this one in Fresno, we're creating good-paying jobs, cutting pollution, and building a cleaner, more reliable energy grid to serve Californians for generations," Newsom said. In 2021, California passed a law allowing the governor to certify judicial streamlining for certain eco-friendly energy and housing projects. That process was extended with 2023's Senate Bill 149. The Fresno County project also showcases a new method of putting solar panels on non-prime agricultural land, known as agrivoltaics. Solar farms draw criticism because they take up space that could be used for crops or other valuable farming purposes. With agrivoltaics, however, solar panels are used in conjunction with farmland, not in opposition to it. It may involve placing the panels above crops that require large amounts of shade or utilizing locations that also feature livestock. The farmers who own and maintain land used for agrivoltaics gain an additional income source. Such projects are already finding success in Australia and elsewhere around the globe. As CleanTechnica put it, "Nobody can stop the agrivoltaic revolution." Should the government be able to control how we heat our homes? Definitely Only if it saves money I'm not sure No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Senate passes bills aimed at eliminating car emissions testing
(WTAJ)– The state Senate on Monday approved two bills sponsored by Senator Wayne Langerholc aimed at reforming Pennsylvania's vehicle emissions testing program. Senate Bill 35 would remove Blair, Cambria, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer and Westmoreland counties from the annual emissions testing program. Senate Bill 149 would exempt all vehicles within the five most recent model years from the tests as well, but statewide. 'Quick and convenient' Pa. bill could change beer, wine delivery services In an interview with WTAJ News on Thursday Langerholc said these bills are common sense and would help save Pennsylvanians money. 'Emissions testing is the most outdated, unnecessary, and nonsensical way to address this,' Langerholc said. 'It has no impact. If you look at the cars that are tested the pass rates are ridiculously high. I think this is completely unneeded.' Both bills will now head to the state house of representatives for approval. Langerholc said that he will continue to lobby house lawmakers to consider the bills and is optimistic that they will pass. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
