Proposed bill would revamp Pennsylvania's energy plan for the future
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) – New legislation is looking to revamp Pennsylvania's energy plan moving forward, but not everyone is fully on board.
Gov. Shapiro's administration wants to change the plan for renewable energy within the Commonwealth with the proposed Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS). The plan would add nuclear power and fusion technology into the energy generation process, which could cut down on what some consider an overreliance on other fuels.
'In a matter of weeks, many Pennsylvanians will see their bills increased by as much as 15%. This is due in large part to our overreliance on fracked gas for more than half of our energy production,' Patrick McDonnell, CEO of PennFuture, said.
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A big promise from the bill is the creation of thousands of energy jobs. However, Rep. Justin Fleming (D-District 105) does not want to repeat past mistakes.
'From an employment perspective, I know other energy sources we've utilized in the past haven't necessarily put Pennsylvanians to work,' Fleming said. 'So, how do we make that a reality with this legislation?'
He is not the only one skeptical about the potential job offerings.
'What we have not seen in the renewable industry in Pennsylvania is many of our people doing the work,' President of Pennsylvania Building Trades Robert Bair said.
The bill also wants to incentivize new forms of energy development for the end goal of a more reliable power grid in the face of extreme weather or other factors. Rep. Danielle Friel-Otten (D-District 155) wants to make sure this proposed development is future-proofed.
'We need to add more energy to our grid, and we have a responsibility to our children and future generations to ensure that that increased supply does not destroy the environment that they have to raise their families in the future,' Friel-Otten said.
To check the status of the bill, visit the Pennsylvania General Assembly's website.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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