HB 430 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act imposing the duty on Department of Environmental Protection to prohibit the construction or installation of wind turbines that negatively affect military installations.

HB 430 requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to block the construction or installation of wind turbines that interfere with military operations at nearby installations. This bill directly affects wind energy developers seeking permits near military bases and the DEP, which would enforce the prohibition. The key provision mandates the DEP to deny permits for turbines causing negative impacts - such as radar interference - without requiring new studies or cost-benefit analyses. It does not alter existing wind energy policies but adds a specific military safety requirement to DEP permitting decisions.

Issues: ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Jan 2025

House Passage

Feb 2025

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 31, 2025 Last action Nov 17, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN0404 → Printer's No. PN0988 · 6 edits

MODERATE

This bill revision adds a requirement for wind turbine owners to obtain a formal 'determination' from the Clearinghouse before applying for permits, ensuring military readiness and national security are assessed. It also introduces exceptions allowing permits if risks are mitigated or determinations aren't issued within 180 days, and changes the effective date to 180 days from enactment.

Scope change

The bill now applies to wind turbines seeking permits on or after the effective date, regardless of prior permit status, and adds a construction clause protecting permits issued before the effective date.

REQUIREMENT

New requirement for wind turbine owners to submit notice to FAA and obtain a formal determination from the Clearinghouse before applying for permits

Added construction clause protecting permits issued before the effective date from invalidation

DEFINITION

Added new definitions for 'DETERMINATION' and 'REVIEW' to clarify the formal review process for mission compatibility

ELIGIBILITY

Department cannot issue permits if determination finds adverse impact on military operations or unacceptable national security risk, unless exceptions apply

EXCEPTIONS

Added three exceptions allowing permit issuance: mitigation agreement, attenuated risk, or no determination within 180 days

TIMELINE

Changed effective date from immediate to 180 days from enactment

Floor votes · House Feb 26, 2025

How they voted

26–0

Passed

Total votes 26

Feb 26, 2025

D Democratic14

14 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican12

12 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Mar 17, 2025

Lower · Passed

Reported as amended

lower

Feb 26, 2025

House · Passed

House Vote: pass (26-0)

house

Jan 31, 2025

Committee

Referred to Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness

lower

1 primary · 14 co-sponsors