Shapiro wants to boost state energy production
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The governor at a press conference in Pittsburgh last week. Photo: Ryan Deto/Axios
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is looking to court Republicans to join his broad push to boost state energy production ahead of his budget address next week.
Why it matters: Shapiro, a Democrat, has gathered business leaders, environmentalists and the state's influential building trades unions to back his energy proposal, but it faces hurdles in a divided Legislature.
Driving the news: The governor unveiled his proposal in Pittsburgh on Thursday, promising tax credits and a fast track for energy facilities powered by renewable, nuclear and fossil fuels.
Case in point: Shapiro said he wants to increase energy production to help lower utility costs and "secure the future of Pennsylvania energy," including powering electric vehicle factories and data centers.
- He cited Pittsburgh-based CNX Resources' $1.5 billion plan to mix natural gas with methane from coal mines to produce hydrogen-based fuels as one qualifying proposal.
Context: Western Pennsylvania recently closed one of its largest coal-fired power plants, and another is set to close by 2028 since it doesn't meet EPA wastewater standards.
- The state is still the second largest exporter of energy in the nation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, but Shapiro wants to produce more.
By the numbers: All power plants could qualify for $100 million each per year for three years under Shapiro's proposal.
- Hydrogen producers could earn up to $49 million per year.
- Aviation fuel producers could qualify for $15 million per year.
What they're saying: "I think it is a good package of bills that helps the environment and rate-payers, and good for grid reliability. I think there is a lot to like," David Masur, director of Penn Environment, which advocates for clean energy projects across the state, told Axios.
The other side: "Energy policies that promote barriers to continued development, add further unpredictability, inefficiencies and costs that ultimately burden the consumer are a disservice to the Commonwealth and threaten the long-term reliability of the electric grid," said Marcellus Shale Coalition president Jim Welty in a statement.
Fun fact: Shapiro named his energy proposal "The Lightning Plan" in homage to founding father and former Pennsylvania Gov. Ben Franklin and his electricity discovery.
Between the lines: When asked about President Trump's recent funding freeze attempts, Shapiro said, "I think the president cares about investing in Pennsylvania … and ensuring that we will continue to be an energy powerhouse across the country."
What's next: Shapiro will detail his energy proposal again on Tuesday during his 2025 budget address in Harrisburg.