Lycoming News

The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved two energy-related bills sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw, who chairs the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The approval took place today in Harrisburg.

Senator Yaw commented on the significance of these measures, stating, "Each of the bills approved today represent significant steps in ensuring energy reliability, sustainability and affordability for Pennsylvania families and businesses."

One of the approved bills is Senate Bill 186, which seeks to repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax. This tax was enacted through an executive order by the Wolf Administration in 2019. According to Yaw, RGGI could lead to increased electricity rates for consumers, job cuts in energy and manufacturing sectors, and closures of power plants across Pennsylvania.

Another bill passed by the committee is Senate Bill 187. This bill proposes the creation of an Independent Energy Office (IEO) in Pennsylvania. The IEO would be similar to Pennsylvania's Independent Fiscal Office (IFO), established by Act 120 of 2010 and Act 100 of 2016. The IFO provides analysis without supporting or opposing any policy and makes public its methodologies, data sources, and assumptions used in reports.

Yaw emphasized Pennsylvania's diverse energy portfolio by saying, "Pennsylvania has one of the most diverse energy portfolios in the United States," adding that he believes an Independent Energy Office can help streamline responsible energy policy management.

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

For additional information on state-related matters, constituents are encouraged to visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.

Contact: Elizabeth Weitzel at 717-787-3280