By Kate Harper and Conor Lamb, Co-Chairs of Energy Future PA

We know Pennsylvania’s budget season doesn’t quite get the same buzz as other seasons of the year. But this year, there’s reason to get excited about the state budget.

Pennsylvanians have a real opportunity to see dramatic new investments in our commonwealth’s energy economy.

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget includes a plan to jumpstart economic growth through the energy sector, following federal commitments of up to $2 billion for clean hydrogen production and industrial decarbonization.

While there may be differences in the details, one thing is clear: Democrats and Republicans in Harrisburg agree we must maintain Pennsylvania’s long-established claim to the mantle of energy leadership.

With demand for energy quickly outstripping supply, we must act with urgency for Pennsylvania consumers and businesses to develop solutions that allow new energy sources to connect to the power grid.

And we must embrace a comprehensive approach to building new energy capacity so that we can ensure our power supply is reliable, clean and affordable.

We urge both parties to come together to chart a better way forward for Pennsylvania’s energy future – one that expands jobs for Pennsylvania workers, powers our local and state economy, and strengthens our communities.

At Energy Future PA, we believe in a common-sense suite of energy solutions to help meet the nation’s growing energy needs and bolster reliability of the power grid.

We are intentionally nonpartisan, and we are – as co-chairs from opposite parties – a prime example of how party labels can be set aside for the common goal of securing Pennsylvania’s legacy as a national energy leader.

For centuries, the United States has been powered by Pennsylvania energy and Pennsylvania workers.

It is our collective responsibility to make sure Pennsylvania’s legacy of leadership continues and that our energy future is proudly ‘Made in PA.’

Rep. Kate Harper (R), former member of PA House, and former Congressman Conor Lamb (D) are  Co-Chairs of Energy Future PA 

Related Articles:

-- PUC House Budget Hearing: We Aren’t Going To Build Our Way Out Of Electric Generation Shortfalls On PJM Grid; We Need To Diversify Our Generation Sources  [PaEN]

-- Frozen Hoping For A Thaw: Eastern PA Coalition For Abandoned Mine Reclamation Project To Repurpose Fmr Coal Waste Plant Site Into Solar Energy, Mine Water Pool Energy Storage, Cooling Facility In Schuylkill County  [PaEN]

-- City Of Reading Begins Energy Efficiency, Solar Energy Project To Save $13.3 Million Over 20 Years; Help Achieve City’s 100% Renewable Energy Goal  [PaEN]

NewsClips:

-- Post-Gazette Guest Essay: As Energy Demand Rises, America Needs Fossil Fuel Plants And Solar Power -  By Tim Gallagher, ReliabilityFirst

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Eos Energy Battery Storage Company Touts American-Made Tech Amd Federal Funding Uncertainty

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: $396 Million RISE PA Program Aims To Transform Industrial Sector, Curb Carbon Emissions 

[Posted: March 6, 2025]

3/10/2025