Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) has reviewed the legislative accomplishments of 2025 and shared his priorities for the upcoming year. Yaw, who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, highlighted key initiatives that focused on energy policy, infrastructure investment, public safety, and community development in the 23rd District.
“We delivered real results in 2025, and we’ll build on that progress in 2026 with practical, commonsense policies that reflect on the needs of our communities,” Yaw stated.
In energy policy, Yaw led bipartisan efforts to improve electric load forecasting and sponsored legislation to repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax. Both measures were included in Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 state budget. He also worked to overhaul the EDGE tax credit program to attract investment in baseload power generation and advocated for an Independent Energy Office to provide nonpartisan analysis of energy issues.
Yaw reported securing millions of dollars for infrastructure projects across Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga, and Union counties. Following damage from Tropical Storm Debby in August 2024, more than $1.1 million was distributed for flood recovery efforts. Crary Hose Company received $250,000 to construct a new fire station outside a floodplain.
Law enforcement agencies benefited from state funding as well. The Mifflinburg Police Department obtained nearly $150,000 for body cameras and license plate readers.
Through the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), over $9.5 million was awarded regionally this year. This included $1.2 million for Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation to upgrade labs and provide scholarships for military students. Expansion of NAP was part of the 2024-25 state budget.
Yaw emphasized broadband expansion as a long-term priority. Nearly $85 million was allocated to regional internet providers to increase access throughout underserved areas. He also introduced legislation aimed at maximizing federal broadband infrastructure funds available to Pennsylvania.
Recently announced awards through the Commonwealth Financing Authority totaled nearly $5 million for local projects: Montgomery Water Authority received $946,300 for water main replacement; Tioga County secured $265,280 for flood mitigation; Eagles Mere Borough obtained $250,000 to renovate its volunteer fire company facilities.
Yaw collaborated with county commissioners and business groups to bring Bass Pro Shops to Muncy Township—a project expected to open in January 2027 with about 150 jobs created.
He supported initiatives targeting taxpayer protection, public safety improvements, support for veterans and law enforcement personnel, government efficiency measures, job creation strategies, and fiscal stability within Pennsylvania.
Yaw’s work earned him several statewide honors this year: the Karl Brown Award for Ag Conservation Leadership; W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award; and Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry Leadership in Energy Service Award.
Looking ahead to 2026, Yaw outlined plans focused on strengthening grid reliability by incentivizing new power generation capacity during peak demand periods. He will continue advocating against taxes affecting small businesses and veterans’ organizations related to legal skill video games.
His agenda includes regulatory modernization such as updating vehicle sales laws and granting prescriptive authority to psychologists under certain conditions—an effort aimed at improving mental health care access in rural areas by reducing wait times for treatment options. He also plans renewed efforts toward codifying end-of-life directives through POLST legislation.
Public safety priorities include addressing PFAS contamination by transitioning away from legacy firefighting foams while supporting department training needs. Stream maintenance reforms are also planned so local governments can perform necessary clearing without excessive permitting requirements—intended to reduce flood risks.
In addition to legislative activities, Yaw will maintain leadership roles with Pennsylvania College of Technology, Center for Rural Pennsylvania, and Chesapeake Bay Commission—focusing on workforce development initiatives as well as water quality improvement measures across rural communities.
“I believe Pennsylvania is the best place to live in this country and I want to see it grow and prosper,” said Yaw. “We have more work to do and I’m looking forward to a productive year ahead.”
Constituents seeking updates can visit www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow Senator Gene Yaw on Facebook or X @SenatorGeneYaw.
