Nearly a year has passed since Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced an energy program aimed at creating jobs, saving energy customers money, and generating significant investments in clean energy resources. However, Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) criticizes the governor’s approach, suggesting that it fails to address the underlying issues affecting energy prices in the state.
Sen. Yaw points to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax and the closure of thermal baseload generation facilities without adequate replacements as primary factors contributing to rising utility costs. He emphasizes the importance of supply meeting demand to stabilize prices.
Yaw warns of a potential shortfall of 80,000 megawatts in Pennsylvania’s electric grid over the next decade. To maintain its position as a key electricity supplier, he suggests building new generation plants but notes that none are currently planned or under construction.
Since RGGI’s proposal, there have been no new investments in baseload electric generation in Pennsylvania. Yaw argues that abandoning RGGI and avoiding a carbon tax are necessary steps for serious efforts to ease utility burdens and address power deficits.
The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee prioritizes responsible energy development and grid reliability through policy measures and collaboration with other states. The committee has advanced several initiatives aimed at improving grid reliability, though they have received limited bipartisan support.
Yaw plans to introduce legislation addressing electric generation shortfalls through the Grid Stabilization and Security Act and aims to reintroduce a bill for establishing a Pennsylvania Baseload Energy Development Fund.
He criticizes reliance on wind, solar, batteries, and other sources as insufficient solutions for consistent electricity supply during peak demands. Yaw urges immediate action on constructing thermal baseload electric generation capacity and hopes for cooperation from Governor Shapiro in these efforts.
Sen. Gene Yaw represents Pennsylvania’s 23rd Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
Contact: Elizabeth Weitzel at 717-787-3280
