Saying that Pennsylvania is “losing out,” Gov. Josh Shapiro today called for the Commonwealth to be more competitive, unveiling his “Lightning Plan” to secure the state’s energy future.

“Pennsylvania, it’s time for us to be more competitive, it’s time for us to act, we need to take some big and decisive steps right now, build new sources of power so Pennsylvania doesn’t miss out,” Shapiro said at a news conference at Pittsburgh International Airport.

The Democrat’s plan will provide funding for new projects through an updated Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) manufacturing tax credit, streamline energy project approvals by creating a state energy siting board to cut red tape, and encourage communities to lower utility bills through shared energy resources. Additionally, the plan increases rebates for energy-efficient appliances to help reduce household energy costs.

“Pennsylvania has long been a national energy leader, from Ben Franklin to today, but right now, we’re letting other states outcompete us and we’re losing out on jobs, new investment, and innovation – that has to change,” said Shapiro.

“My energy plan will power Pennsylvania forward by incentivizing the building of next generation energy projects in the Commonwealth. We have to meet this moment – and this plan builds on the work my Administration did last year to bring together leaders from the energy industry, organized labor and environmental groups, and consumer advocates to develop a plan for the future. I look forward to working with the General Assembly to get this common sense plan to my desk so that we can lower costs for consumers, create more jobs, and position the Commonwealth to continue to be a national energy leader for decades to come.”

The “Lightning Plan” is designed to help energy projects get built and approved faster than before through several initiatives, including:

• The Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition (RESET) Board to speed up permitting, reduce red tape, and support the next generation of energy projects in the state. The Commonwealth is presently one of only 12 states without a state entity to handle siting decisions for key energy projects.
• The governor’s proposed 2025-26 budget will include key tax credit modifications to revamp the Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) Tax Credit Program, providing tax credits for reliable energy investment, regional hydrogen projects and sustainable aviation fuel.
• An act to establish a cap-and-invest program to set Pennsylvania’s carbon limit and invest in reducing electricity costs. PACER – the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Act – would return 70 percent of revenue generated to Pennsylvanians as rebates on their electric bills.
• A budget proposal to help rural communities, farmers, and low-income Pennsylvanians jointly share energy resources to lower costs.
• And reforming Act 129, the law that provides rebates and incentives to buy new energy efficient appliances and other ways to reduce electricity needs over time — which in turn, leads to lower electricity prices. The Governor’s proposal will update these energy efficiency standards for the first time in nearly two decades.

“The Governor and I want us to build on our energy legacy and use it to power a better future for Pennsylvania,” said Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. “Our Administration is working with our friends in labor, as well as the business community, environmental advocates, and consumer advocates. We want to bring together elected leaders at the federal, state and local level, and we hope folks can take off their red and blue jerseys and put on their Pennsylvania jerseys. Because our Commonwealth’s future is at stake. This is the arms race of our lifetime, and we need to win — that’s why our Lightning Plan is so important.”

What They’re Saying

“Pennsylvania has long powered the country. Now is the time for the Commonwealth to jump into action to secure Pennsylvania’s energy future and move the nation toward energy security,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio (D-17). “I applaud Governor Shapiro’s leadership and work to lower energy costs, create strong jobs, and streamline and strengthen our energy system with his new ‘Lightning Project.’ I stand ready to do whatever I can in Congress to support this statewide effort to lower energy costs, protect our air and water, and grow our economy.”

“The Lightning Plan is a blueprint for Pennsylvania’s energy future — more energy means more jobs, lower costs, and a stronger economy. Clean energy doesn’t take away — it adds and Pennsylvania’s workforce is second to none. I stand ready to work with Governor Shapiro and all stakeholders to get it done this year,” said Rep. Rob Matzie (D-Beaver).

“Interesting comment when he just said he’ll pull us out of RGGI “if” we pass his version of cap and tax. The time of action is now, Gov. Shapiro,” said Rep. Tim O’Neal (R-Washington), Republican House Whip.

“It is long past time that Pennsylvania unites behind an energy strategy that incentivizes growth, creates good paying union jobs, and does so in a way that keeps costs low for people and keeps our kids and grandkids safe and healthy. While many have talked, Governor Shapiro has acted, and by putting his concrete ideas on the table he shows that he is committed to getting something done on energy,” said Gregory Bernarding, Business Manager, Pittsburgh Regional Building and Construction Trades Council.

“Pennsylvania has long benefited from abundant, affordable energy, and Governor Shapiro’s energy plan will strengthen that position for the next decade and beyond — at a time when it’s more important than ever,” said David Dardis, Executive Vice President, Constellation Energy. “