Concerned that the demand for electricity was exceeding the supply, Pennsylvania lawmakers discussed establishing a board to supervise new power facilities.
Gov. Shapiro's bill HB 502 proposes the Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board (RESET) to set statewide energy site guidelines aligned with efficiency, environmental protection, safety, and health.
The board's authorization would replace local township restrictions, which proponents say cause delays, higher costs, and project rejections. Advocates argue municipalities lack experience managing billion-dollar power projects.
Despite climate change impacts in Pennsylvania and globally, opponents fear the panel will push for new fossil fuel facilities.
The Public Utility Commission chair, building and business trade members, three state agency secretaries, and the Environmental Justice Advisory Council chair form the seven-member board.
Developers must submit technical papers supporting new power plants or storage facilities and justify site choice, alternatives, environmental impacts, and community benefits to local officials.
Evan Vaughan of MAREC Action states cities shouldn't obstruct energy projects when new capacity is needed in Pennsylvania and the U.S., despite calls for local involvement.
Only 20% of Pennsylvania's 9 GW of renewable energy (mostly solar, also wind and storage) traditionally reached the grid. Recent denials by local governments have reduced this to about 5%.
The proposal is criticized for centralizing authority, undermining local democracy, and ignoring the knowledge of local leaders.
"Enables political favoritism, reduces transparency, and concentrates immense influence in a few hands," Food & Water Watch and 24 other groups said about the board's power to grant or deny energy certificates without clear environmental rules.
The organization charged Shapiro, a Democrat, with breaking campaign pledges to protect the environment and supporting fossil fuel growth. They said this isn't climate leadership, calling the law a corporate giveaway that undermines regional climate initiatives.
Adam Walters, a Pennsylvania energy adviser, testified in favor of the measure for the Shapiro administration. The plan is part of Shapiro's "Lightning Plan" to boost energy production, streamline permits, create jobs, and lower prices.
Pennsylvania has led in oil, coal, natural gas, and nuclear energy since the 19th century, but its dominance is now threatened by high costs and bureaucracy.
Brian Rengert of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors blamed slow electricity development on supply chain issues, construction delays, and federal and state permit holdups.
During a hearing on Monday, Rengert stated that the law would deprive municipal officials of their energy development knowledge. He pointed out that public hearings do not have to take place in host communities, which would limit participation, and criticized its consultation obligation as merely marking a box.
Kathy Dietz, Vistra's development and strategy director, supports expediting permits to assure investors. The Texas-based power provider serves 200,000 customers with three gas and one nuclear plant in Pennsylvania.
Democratic committee vice chair and bill lead sponsor Mandy Steele cautioned that if supply doesn't keep up with demand, Pennsylvanians and companies may find it difficult to pay their power bills.