Lake Erie’s renewable future up for study

(The Center Square) – Studying the viability of renewable energy projects on Lake Erie was the topic of discussion at a recent House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee meeting.

Despite some concerns, the committee voted 19-7 to advance House Resolution 53, sponsored by Rep. Robert Merski, D-Erie.

The resolution proposes that the Joint State Government Commission conduct a study on the feasibility, benefits and drawbacks of developing hydropower, solar, and wind energy on Pennsylvania’s portion of Lake Erie.

Merski explained the study is a response to feedback and constructive criticism received on House Bill 254, legislation he introduced last session that proposed leasing submerged lands of the lake for offshore wind, solar and kinetic energy generation.

Stressing that he took concerns regarding such projects – and their impact on bird habitats and aquatic life – seriously, the study was developed in collaboration with stakeholders from all sides to address these issues.

He highlighted a prototype already in place in his district, in which kinetic energy projects in Harbor Creek Township are generating electricity from waves on Lake Erie.

Regardless of the study’s outcome, Merski said, gathering more information will help guide future decisions.

Seven of the 12 Republican committee members voted the measure down.

Minority Chair Jack Rader, R-Effort, acknowledged Merski’s intentions but questioned the initiative’s effectiveness due to the limited amount of Lake Erie that Pennsylvania owns. He expressed concerns about its impact on outdoor recreation, shipping and tourism and noted the opposition he has heard from area representatives.

Merski responded that the state owns hundreds of thousands of acres along a 50-mile stretch and explained that projects would not be near land and would not affect Presque Isle State Park.

He said the study’s purpose was to ensure that groups such as the Presque Isle State Park Advisory Committee, Sons of Lake Erie, and the Audubon Society — whom he has met with — are supportive of moving forward.

He warned that the governor could decide to proceed without their approval and underscored the importance of the legislature’s involvement in securing the best deal for the commonwealth.

Speaking in support of the legislation, Rep. Abigail Salisbury, D-Braddock, noted the lake’s role as a tourism and transportation asset that benefits the community. She also emphasized the importance of studying its potential for energy production, stating, “We need to know about it because you can’t make good decisions without good information.”

Rep. Mandy Steele, D-Cheswick, said there is significant interest in harnessing the Allegheny River’s power through underwater turbines in her district. However, she said that balancing recreational activities and energy generation is important. She believes this balance can be achieved and that the study would yield useful information that can be applied across the commonwealth.

Merski said his legislation would help diversify Pennsylvania’s energy portfolio while prioritizing the use of clean, renewable energy to efficiently power Pennsylvania without increasing utility prices for consumers.

“The Erie region has a tremendous opportunity to be a leader in the development of green energy,” Merski said. “This bill would put us in a position to rise to the occasion by creating a vast, reliable energy network that will reduce our carbon footprint.

“Additionally, the economic impact of this legislation would be a boon for the Erie area as the projects would be an incredible source of family sustaining jobs. This is a win-win for our region, and I look forward to championing this vital bill throughout its legislative journey.”

The bill now heads to the House floor for consideration.