House Moves Forward on Energize PA Legislation

From PA Chamber of Business and Industry

In its first week back to session, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives started to move several bills from the “Energize PA” package through the legislative process.  “Energize PA” is a pro-growth initiative of the House Republican caucus that aims to increase and expand energy and manufacturing related investments and job opportunities in the Commonwealth. 

Last week, the House passed H.B. 1100 – legislation to create the Energy and Fertilizer Manufacturing Tax Credit – by a vote of 139 to 46.  Based on the successful Pennsylvania Resource Manufacturing tax credit established in 2012, this program would target large manufacturers using Pennsylvania methane in the production of ammonia, urea and methanol.  The legislation now awaits consideration by the Senate. 

Also last week, the House State Government Committee approved two permitting reform bills from the package – H.B. 1106 and H.B. 1107.  House Bill 1106 would overhaul the state’s environmental permitting and general plan approval processes by putting into place a 30-day timeframe for approval and also further defines what criteria must be met for applications to be designated as “complete.” House Bill 1107 would help to alleviate permitting backlogs and delays by removing the Department of Environmental Protection’s duty of issuing permits and vesting that authority with an independent Pennsylvania Permitting Commission.  Both of these bills are expected to be voted on by the full House this week. 

PA Chamber President Gene Barr voiced the organization’s support of the “Energize PA” package at a press conference with Speaker Turzai and House Majority Leader Bryan Cutler last week.  Video of his remarks, as well as pictures from the event, can be viewed on the PA Chamber’s Twitter feed.  An article about the press event by the online news site Center Square was picked up by several news outlets, including: Tioga Publishing, The Bradford Era, The Courier Express, Somerset Daily American and Indiana Gazette.