HARRISBURG— Republican Chairman of the House Energy Committee Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter), Policy Committee Chairman David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), and other lawmakers hosted a hearing today at the state Capitol titled “Stopping New Energy Taxes” to analyze how unfavorable energy policies negatively impact consumers and businesses and drive investments outside of Pennsylvania.

Testifiers included David Taylor, president and CEO, Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, and Kenny Stein, vice president, policy, Institute for Energy Research.

The testifiers agreed that unfavorable energy policy proposals from Gov. Josh Shapiro, like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and his state-level equivalent, scare away potential investment in Pennsylvania, cause increased cost of utilities, and perpetuate the unreliable energy supply.

“Energy and energy production is one of our biggest issues that we face here in the Commonwealth, but it’s also one of our biggest opportunities,” Causer said. “Pennsylvania is an energy powerhouse, and we can be even more of an energy powerhouse if government would stay out of the way and not stymie that opportunity. We need to work together to realize the full potential of this vital industry.” 

Throughout American history, Pennsylvania has been a leader in energy production. Our goals are to ensure that Pennsylvania remains an energy leader—one that prioritizes affordability, reliability, and economic growth—and to make it possible for every Pennsylvanian to achieve the American Dream,” said Rowe. “Governor Shapiro is positioning us for failure at a time when we’re already falling to the bottom. We must stop him from implementing new energy taxes and exporting Pennsylvania’s heritage industries to Ohio.”

To watch the complete hearing, visit www.pagoppolicy.com/video/policy.