HARRISBURG – A bill to ensure Pennsylvania residents have choices when it comes to fuel availability was overwhelmingly approved today by the Senate Local Government Committee, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), sponsor of the measure.
Senate Bill 311, known as “Energy Choice,” would limit municipal entities from banning a specific type of fuel source for appliances and heating homes or businesses. The language is fuel-neutral and is not specific to any one energy source.
“It’s simply about consumer choice and keeping energy costs low,” Yaw said. “When municipal governments start picking winners and losers, then we have a serious problem. Pennsylvania residents have a myriad of energy options to choose from and we should keep it that way.”
Yaw referenced Berkeley, CA, which was the first city in the nation to ban natural gas hookups in new construction. The 2019 move was an effort to keep buildings and homes from using fossil fuels.
“Many of my constituents still use wood to heat their homes,” Yaw continued. “Are we going to stop them next?”
Last session, the same measure passed the Senate with bipartisan support. However, the bill was never brought up for a vote by the Local Government Committee in the House of Representatives. Currently, 26 states have enacted energy choice legislation. Yaw noted the bill is supported by the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, which consists of natural gas and electric utilities.
The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel
717-787-3280