Lycoming News

State Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) recently appeared before the House Republican Policy Committee to discuss efforts to prevent new energy taxes. As the chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, Yaw testified as the sponsor of Senate Bill 186, which seeks to repeal Pennsylvania's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

The RGGI is a multi-state agreement that has been criticized for potentially raising electricity rates, cutting jobs in energy and manufacturing sectors, and causing power plant closures in Pennsylvania. Yaw's bill aims to formally end Pennsylvania's involvement in RGGI, requiring any future decisions on electricity taxes or emissions programs to pass through legislative approval rather than being enacted by executive order.

Yaw stated, "Every other participating state entered RGGI through the legislative process, not executive action, and a bipartisan majority of Pennsylvania legislators have consistently voted against RGGI when the issue has been brought to the floor." He emphasized the importance of energy policy decisions on daily life and expressed gratitude for participating in the discussion with House colleagues.

The hearing took place at Pennsylvania College of Technology’s campus in Williamsport. It focused on unfavorable energy policies affecting consumers and businesses and leading investments away from Pennsylvania. Other participants included Joe Delmar from Cogentrix Energy, LLC, and Rod Williamson from Industrial Energy Consumers of Pennsylvania.

Rep. David Rowe (R-85), chair of the House Republican Policy Committee, praised Yaw for his efforts in maintaining legislative authority over taxation matters. "As an expert in the field, you’ve been very much the tip of the spear in maintaining the constitutional separation of powers that is supposed to make sure the taxation authority lies within the legislature," Rowe said.

In 2023, a Commonwealth Court decision ruled that RGGI qualifies as a tax requiring legislative approval. However, Governor Josh Shapiro has continued appealing this decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court despite opposition.

Senate Bill 186 was approved by the Senate with bipartisan support earlier this month and now awaits review by the House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee.

For further information on state-related news, constituents are encouraged to visit Senator Yaw’s website or follow him on social media platforms.