Resident warns West Chester council about state bill that could override local zoning for energy projects

A resident at the West Chester Public Safety Committee meeting urged borough officials to contact their state representative about Pennsylvania House Bill 502, which she said would give a seven‑member, unelected board authority to fast‑track energy projects and exempt them from local zoning and ordinances.

Ginny Kerslake, who identified herself as a resident of West Whiteland Township, told the committee she attended hearings in Harrisburg and described HB 502 as a measure that would allow a board to issue a certificate within 90 days of a developer application; that certificate, she said, would shield a project from local land‑use rules.

Kerslake said the bill has prompted opposition letters from the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, the Pennsylvania Association of Township Supervisors and the Association of County Commissioners, and that dozens of environmental and community groups have also expressed opposition. She urged committee members to contact their state representative, Rep. Piale, because he serves on the House energy committee and will be voting on the bill.

Kerslake said Rep. Piale had been an original co‑sponsor but removed his cosponsorship after receiving testimony and has told her he is “no vote at this point.” She added there are legal questions about whether the bill would be constitutional by removing zoning authority from local governments.

Committee members thanked Kerslake for the notice and said they would consider the request; no formal action was taken at the meeting.

Kerslake provided the committee with copies of testimony submitted by the borough association and encouraged officials to make their positions known to the representative before legislative action occurs.