Luzerne Times

On March 26, 2024, a group of state House Republicans in Pennsylvania unveiled a comprehensive package of bills aimed at tackling energy affordability issues within the Commonwealth. The bills are a response to what the sponsors describe as Governor Josh Shapiro's impact on Pennsylvanians' wallets in relation to energy costs.

According to the representatives behind the initiative, "Households across the Commonwealth experience the impacts of high energy costs, as some are forced to reduce spending on food, medicine or other necessities in order to heat their homes." The representatives further stated, "This is unacceptable, especially when rising prices are attributable to government regulations and policies. Our bill package seeks to correct these wrongs and put Pennsylvanians, not the energy companies or bureaucratic red tape, in control."

The package consists of nine bills sponsored by various state House Republicans, including Reps. Aaron Kaufer, Jonathan Fritz, Mike Cabell, Joe Hogan, Clint Owlett, Eric Nelson, Jim Struzzi, and Joe Hamm. Each bill within the package addresses specific aspects of energy affordability and regulation.

For instance, Kaufer's bill aims to repurpose funds from Act 129 of 2008 to support energy efficiency and conservation programs, while Fritz's legislation proposes the creation of an Independent Energy Advocate within the Department of Environmental Protection to oversee energy-related actions. Cabell's initiative seeks to allow energy bills to be paid with pre-tax dollars, similar to a 529 Plan or Health Savings Account.

Other bills in the package include proposals to address utility costs in determining relief provided through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, renaming the Department of Environmental Protection to reflect a focus on energy services, and creating new agencies to oversee energy-related regulations and actions.

The legislative package also includes measures to incentivize the redevelopment of former energy production facilities and direct Pennsylvania's participation in a power-exporting state consortium within the PJM Interconnection.

For more information on the specific bills included in the package, interested parties can refer to the respective media contacts provided for each sponsoring representative.

The initiative underscores the ongoing efforts within the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to address energy affordability and ensure that residents have access to sustainable and cost-effective energy solutions.