Lycoming News

Chairman Gene Yaw and the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held their first voting meeting of the 2025-26 legislative session at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. During this meeting, two energy-related bills sponsored by Yaw were approved.

"It may be the start of a new session, but the committee’s priorities remain the same," Yaw stated. "We are focused on putting forth commonsense energy policy that recognizes and champions Pennsylvania as an energy producer. Each of the bills approved today represent significant steps in ensuring energy reliability, sustainability and affordability for Pennsylvania families and businesses."

The first bill, Senate Bill 186, aims to repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax introduced through an executive order by the Wolf Administration in 2019. According to critics, RGGI would lead to higher electricity rates for consumers, job losses in energy and manufacturing sectors, and closure of power plants in Pennsylvania.

The second bill, Senate Bill 187, proposes establishing an Independent Energy Office (IEO) in Pennsylvania. This office would be similar to Pennsylvania’s Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), which was established by Act 120 of 2010 and Act 100 of 2016. The IFO does not take positions on policies it reviews but provides transparency about methodologies, data sources, and assumptions used in its reports.

"Pennsylvania has one of the most diverse energy portfolios in the United States," Yaw added. "I believe an Independent Energy Office can streamline our approach to responsible energy policy and ensure a more cohesive strategy for managing our vast natural resources."

These bills will now proceed to the full Senate for further consideration.

For additional information related to state matters or updates from Senator Yaw's office, individuals can visit his website or follow him on social media platforms Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.