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House advances bill authorizing municipal 'specific plans' after close fight over energy preemption amendment
Summary
Lawmakers agreed to a change in the Municipalities Planning Code allowing individual municipalities to adopt 'specific plans' covering residential and nonresidential development. A floor amendment that would have barred local officials from precluding energy sources was laid on the table after a narrow vote.
The Pennsylvania House agreed to a bill that amends the Municipalities Planning Code to authorize municipalities to adopt "specific plans" that can cover both residential and nonresidential development. Floor debate included a contested amendment over whether local specific plans may preclude certain energy sources.
Representative Brenda Marcel of Bucks County offered an amendment intended to prevent local officials from excluding any particular energy source when drafting specific plans. Marcel told the House the change "would ensure all Pennsylvania businesses and homeowners would have the opportunity to access a variety of energy options, whether it be natural gas, solar, wind, geothermal, or other."
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