West Central PA News

State Representative Jim Struzzi has responded to Governor Josh Shapiro's recent proposal for a new energy policy in Pennsylvania. Struzzi, a Republican from Indiana and an advocate for energy independence in the state, shared his views on Shapiro's plan.

Struzzi acknowledged the importance of improved energy policies that support industry growth and job creation but expressed concerns about certain aspects of the proposal. He stated, "I appreciate the need for better energy policy in Pennsylvania, one which supports the industry while growing jobs and our economy; however, any cap-and-trade program is still an additional tax on energy production, manufacturing and business and industry in general."

He suggested that eliminating the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) could provide relief on electricity costs instead of implementing a cap-and-trade system. "If the governor wants to give a rebate on electricity, simply get rid of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and any notion of ‘cap-and-trade.’ Cleaner energy production can be achieved by investing in existing energy producers," Struzzi said.

Struzzi also emphasized the potential benefits of utilizing Pennsylvania's natural resources to address challenges and reduce energy costs. He remarked, "We can't lose sight of the vast abundant natural resources our state has that could solve many of our challenges and lower energy costs for business and families."

However, he called for more clarity regarding Shapiro’s proposals: “First and foremost, my colleagues and I need to see more details." He hopes this marks the beginning of a collaborative discussion rather than unilateral decision-making.

Additionally, Struzzi is co-authoring legislation aimed at eliminating RGGI regulations. The bill seeks to prevent similar future proposals without legislative approval. It remains under consideration by the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

For further inquiries or information on legislative issues, constituents are encouraged to contact Struzzi’s district office.