Senate Approves Yaw Bill to Address Electric Generation Shortfall, Expand Energy Development

HARRISBURG - The state Senate today approved legislation to address the electric generation shortfall and expand energy development, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), sponsor of the measure.

Senate Bill 704 directs the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to work together to identify suitable sites for natural gas electric generation projects. The goal, Yaw said, is to address electricity generation shortages in the PJM grid and attract investment by speeding up site preparation.

"This bill is about getting projects from concept to construction faster," Yaw said. "By improving coordination between DCED and DEP, we can attract major energy investment, create family-sustaining jobs and help ensure Pennsylvania remains a national energy leader."

This legislation is part of Yaw's continued work related to responsible energy development and protecting the reliability of the PJM electric grid. Yaw, along with legislators from Pennsylvania and Ohio, convened with PJM Interconnection leadership late last year to discuss the evolving electricity market landscape.

Yaw has also introduced a number of other measures aimed at addressing grid reliability, including legislation to overhaul the EDGE Program, legislation to establish an Independent Energy Office in Pennsylvania, legislation to protect the power grid from purposeful damage and legislation to place decisions regarding energy restrictions within the purview of the state.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Yaw's website at https://www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.

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