Pennsylvanians get a boost as lawmakers back plan for cheaper, cleaner energy

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Lightning Plan recently had two bills move forward with bipartisan support in the Pennsylvania state House. Here’s what they’d do for Pennsylvanians looking to save money.

Pennsylvania took two steps closer to a clean energy future recently, with the passage of two key bills in Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Lightning Plan.

The Lightning Plan is a set of clean energy initiatives championed by Shapiro. The state House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 500 and House Bill 504, both part of the Lightning Plan, with bipartisan support.

HB 500, introduced by Rep. John Inglis (D-Allegheny), revamps the existing Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) Tax Credit Program. The updated program aims to use tax credits to attract investments in Pennsylvania in areas such as clean hydrogen production, semiconductor manufacturing, sustainable aviation fuel, and dairy processing. 

HB 504, introduced by Rep. Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh), is also known as the Community Energy Act and aims to improve the ability of farmers and low-income residents to jointly share energy resources to lower their costs.

“Pennsylvania has long been a national energy leader, from Ben Franklin to today, and my energy plan will power Pennsylvania forward by incentivizing the building of next generation energy projects in the commonwealth,” Shapiro said.

Both bills are now headed to the Senate for approval.

What is the Lightning Plan?

The Lightning Plan was introduced by Shapiro earlier this year. It’s a series of bills aimed at revamping the commonwealth’s energy sector. The plan includes six different pieces of legislation that focus on:

• Expanding tax credits to encourage investments in clean energy, manufacturing, and agriculture here in Pennsylvania.
• Establishing a state energy board to expedite project approvals.
• Making renewable energy sources easier for communities to access.
• Lowering household energy bills by updating energy efficiency programs.
• Reducing carbon emissions from power plants by implementing new standards.
• Encouraging the development of sustainable aviation fuel and hydrogen energy projects.

Shapiro’s administration has said the plan will create nearly 15,000 energy jobs and attract over $11 billion in clean energy investments. It will also save energy customers in the state $252 million in the first five years and $664 million by 2040.