A bill aimed at ensuring that Pennsylvania residents have the freedom to choose their fuel sources was approved by the Senate Local Government Committee. The measure, sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw (R-23), is known as Senate Bill 311 or “Energy Choice.” It seeks to prevent municipal entities from prohibiting specific types of fuel for appliances and heating in homes or businesses. The bill maintains a neutral stance on different energy sources.
Senator Yaw emphasized, “It’s simply about consumer choice and keeping energy costs low,” adding that local governments should not decide which fuels are preferable. He cited Berkeley, California, as an example, where a ban on natural gas hookups in new constructions was implemented in 2019 to reduce fossil fuel usage.
“Many of my constituents still use wood to heat their homes,” Yaw remarked. “Are we going to stop them next?”
In the previous session, this proposal passed the Senate with support from both parties but did not advance for a vote in the House’s Local Government Committee. As of now, 26 states have enacted similar energy choice laws. The Energy Association of Pennsylvania, comprising natural gas and electric utilities, backs this legislation.
The bill will now proceed to the full Senate for further consideration.
For more information on state-related news, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on social media platforms Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.
Contact: Elizabeth Weitzel at 717-787-3280
