On June 11, the House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee unanimously reported out House Bill 2338 (Fiedler (D-Philadelphia) updating the duties and powers of the PA Energy Development Authority to use billions of federal climate and clean energy dollars to incentivize investments in Pennsylvania.

The bill now goes to the full House for action.

“These federal investments can jumpstart energy production in Pennsylvania, create good local jobs, and reduce energy costs for consumers, but only if we have the right vehicle to seize the funds,” Rep. Fiedler said. “PEDA, our state’s public energy financing authority, is well-suited to play this role, but first we must modernize PEDA to ensure it can maximize its role as an energy accelerator and job creator.”

With the federal government now implementing the $550 billion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the $783 billion Inflation Reduction Act, Rep. Fiedler said she believes this presents an incredible opportunity for Pennsylvania.

The legislation’s co-prime sponsor, state Rep. Mandy Steele (D-Allegheny)  placed the legislation within the context of the state’s long history of energy production.

“Pennsylvania has a long, proud tradition of energy leadership, and it’s critical for us to find a path that will position us to remain a leader in a rapidly changing energy landscape,” Rep. Steele said. “This is a smart and efficient way to create economic growth and lower costs for people in all our communities.”

At a June 10 hearing on the bill, Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee Majority Chair Rob Matzie (D-Beaver) emphasized the economic benefits of the legislation.

“This is about jobs, jobs and jobs. We have talked for a long time about the importance of having a diverse, all-in energy portfolio and the job creation and energy independence that brings,” Rep. Matzie said. “This bill moves us closer to that goal by positioning us to take advantage of hundreds of billions in federal funding coming to the states. We need to act sooner rather than later. Fortunately, we don’t have to reinvent the wheel — Pennsylvania already has a mechanism in place with PEDA. Now, we just need to make sure the agency is ready to hit the ground running and seize every bit of our share.”

The bill is backed by labor unions, such as the Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council, the Allegheny County Labor Council, IBEW Region 3 and Local 98, and Operating Engineers Local No. 542.

It also has the support of environmental groups, including Conservation Voters of PA, Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club-PA, PennFuture, and the Clean Air Council.

Related Articles:

-- House Committee Approves Bill Giving PA Energy Development Authority Ability To Use Federal Climate, Clean Energy Funding  [PaEN]

-- PA Energy Development Authority Launches $1.8 Million Financing Program To Help Local Governments Make Energy Efficiency Upgrades  [PaEN]

-- House Committee Reports Out Bills To Ban Road Dumping Conventional Oil & Gas Wastewater; Prohibit Use Of PFAS 'Forever Chemicals’ In Consumer Products  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- Pa Capital-Star: PA Energy Financing Authority Overhaul Could Help PA Tap Billions In Energy Federal Infrastructure Money

-- Natural Resources Defense Council Blog: Pennsylvania Takes A Crack At Making Virtual Power Plants A Reality

-- Rep. Fiedler: PA School Superintendents Voice Support For Solar For Schools Legislation

-- Inquirer - Frank Kummer: Montgomery County Plans $30 Million Hydropower Station On Schuylkill River

-- PennDOT Opens Electric Vehicle Charging Station Off I-80 In Emlenton, Clarion County, One Of First States To Open Multiple National EV Infrastructure-Funded Stations

[Posted: June 11, 2024]

6/17/2024