HARRISBURG – Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, highlighted several major energy policy initiatives included in the passage of the 2026-27 state budget, saying the measures will strengthen Pennsylvania’s position as an energy leader while supporting long-term economic growth and electric grid reliability.
“Affordable, reliable energy is the foundation of Pennsylvania’s economy,” Yaw said. “Every manufacturer, small business, hospital, school and household depends on it, and our ability to attract new investment hinges on having abundant, dependable power. By including these measures in this year’s budget, we’re improving planning for future energy needs, supporting responsible natural gas development and protecting taxpayers and property owners for years to come.”
The broader budget agreement included passage of Yaw’s bill establishing decommissioning and financial accountability requirements for solar generation projects. The measure, which is supported by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and several solar associations, provides uniformity and certainty statewide and ensures landowners won’t bear the burden of dismantling solar facilities once they cease operation.
Among the provisions included in the state’s Fiscal Code is legislation originally sponsored by Yaw requiring PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator, to share electricity demand forecasting information with Pennsylvania utilities. The additional transparency, Yaw said, will help state agencies better understand future electricity needs as demand continues to increase.
The Fiscal Code also includes Yaw’s legislation updating Pennsylvania’s Oil and Gas Conservation Law to match today’s drilling practices and speed up permit reviews for Utica wells. By bringing the law in line with current practices, the bill will help reduce delays in permit reviews, improve well placement and limit unnecessary surface impacts.
Also included is Yaw’s plan to address longstanding challenges by defining what constitutes a reasonable effort to reach the attainable bottom of a well, eliminating ambiguity that has led to costly delays and inconsistent interpretations. This clarity will help Pennsylvania fully leverage nearly $400 million in federal funding dedicated to addressing legacy oil and gas wells, ensuring these resources are used effectively to plug more wells in less time.
Collectively, Yaw said, the initiatives modernize key areas of Pennsylvania’s energy policy while addressing longstanding regulatory challenges and ensuring greater accountability across the energy sector.
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.