West Central PA News

A group of state House Republicans in Pennsylvania has introduced a package of bills aimed at addressing energy affordability throughout the Commonwealth. These legislative efforts are in response to what they describe as Governor Josh Shapiro's policies that have financially burdened residents with high energy costs.

The initiative includes nine bills sponsored by Representatives Aaron Kaufer, Jonathan Fritz, Mike Cabell, Joe Hogan, Clint Owlett, Eric Nelson, Jim Struzzi, and Joe Hamm. The representatives collectively stated that "households across the Commonwealth experience the impacts of high energy costs," forcing many to cut back on essentials like food and medicine. They assert that government regulations and policies are driving these rising prices.

One of the proposals by Representative Kaufer seeks to repurpose funds from Act 129 of 2008 for energy efficiency and conservation programs. Representative Fritz suggests establishing an Independent Energy Advocate within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide input on actions affecting Pennsylvania's energy portfolio.

Representative Cabell proposes an initiative similar to a 529 Plan or Health Savings Account allowing energy bills to be paid with pre-tax dollars. Meanwhile, Representative Hogan wants to extend the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to include utility costs in its relief calculations.

Other proposals include renaming the DEP as suggested by Representative Owlett and allowing former energy production sites to be designated as Keystone Opportunity Zones under Nelson's bill. Struzzi introduces two measures: one for creating an independent agency overseeing state agency regulations impacting energy portfolios and another requiring assessments on how regulations affect communities at risk for energy poverty.

Lastly, Representative Hamm proposes joining a power-exporting state consortium within PJM Interconnection—a regional transmission organization managing wholesale electricity movement across parts of Pennsylvania and other states.