A bill aimed at preserving consumer choice in energy options has been approved by the Pennsylvania Senate. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 311 or “Energy Choice,” seeks to prevent municipal entities from prohibiting specific fuel sources for appliances and heating in homes and businesses. The bill’s sponsor, Senator Gene Yaw (R-23), emphasized that the measure is neutral regarding fuel types.
Senator Yaw stated, “It’s simply about consumer choice and keeping energy costs low. When municipal governments start picking winners and losers, then we have a serious problem. Pennsylvania residents have a myriad of energy options to choose from and we should keep it that way.”
The senator referred to Berkeley, California, which was the first U.S. city to ban natural gas hookups in new constructions as part of an effort to reduce fossil fuel use.
“Many of my constituents still use wood to heat their homes,” Yaw added. “Are we going to stop them next?”
Currently, 26 states have similar energy choice laws. The bill has backing from organizations such as the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Manufacturer and Business Association, and the Energy Association of Pennsylvania.
Senate Bill 311 will now proceed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
For more information on state-related matters, constituents are encouraged to visit Senator Yaw’s website or follow his social media accounts.
