Statement from Allegheny Conference on Community Development on the Passage of the 2025-2026 State Budget

PITTSBURGH - November 13, 2025 - "The newly passed 2025-2026 Pennsylvania statebudget represents a pro-growth investment in key areas important to the Allegheny Conference's regional strategy that will enhance economic development opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. The Conference is grateful to the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Shapiro Administration for working together to advance a budget that includes initiatives that will improve our region's strategic competitiveness and support economic growth.

"Included in the state budget are several priorities that align with the Conference's agenda, particularly in energy generation. Most notably is the state's exit from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The Conference is hopeful that the withdrawal from RGGI will open doors for robust discussions on a statewide energy strategy and framework that unlocks southwestern Pennsylvania's energy generation needs by leveraging our region's assets - particularly natural gas and advanced nuclear. We are also encouraged by the certainty that the exit from RGGI will provide potential business investors who are interested in our region.

"This year's state budget also retained important strategic initiatives that bolster core business-friendly policies such as the continued phase down of the corporate net income tax rate. The ongoing support for this phasedown continues to signal to businesses that our region and state is open for business and remains focused on improving our tax and regulatory structures.

"Continued bipartisan support for significant reductions in timelines for air and water quality permitting is a positive step forward in necessary state permitting reform, in addition to the adoption of deemed approved language for general permit renewals. These reforms represent a positive step toward ensuring speed-to-market and site readiness for business investment in our region and across the Commonwealth.

"The Conference looks forward to discussions with the General Assembly and administration to continue to improve policies that propel economic growth and opportunity."

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Media Contact: Kristen Wishon, [email protected]