Senate Committee OKs Bill To Encourage Development Of Clean Vehicle Infrastructure- Electric, Natural Gas, Hydrogen

On March 23, the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee unanimously reported out Senate Bill 435-- encouraging the development of clean transportation infrastructure to support electric, natural gas and hydrogen vehicles.

This legislation was first introduced in 2018.

The legislation would--

-- Establish a state goal of increasing electrification by at least 50 percent over currently forecasted levels by 2030;

-- Require the development of regional electrification infrastructure frameworks for metropolitan areas;

-- Direct electric utilities to develop infrastructure implementation plans to support the development of these networks under Public Utility Commission oversight; and

-- Direct the Governor to submit recommendations to the General Assembly and PUC on strategies to promote other clean transportation options, including CNG and hydrogen.

The bill is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Sen. Mensch introduced the same legislation last session-- Senate Bill 596-- when it passed the Senate right at the end of session in November by a vote of 43 to 6.  Read more here.

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, voted for the bill in November.  Last week Sen. Yaw expressed strong concerns about supporting electric vehicles saying, “If we’re promoting electric vehicles, then you’re promoting mining by children.”  Read more here.

Sen. Tommy Tomlinson (R-Bucks) serves as Majority Chair of the Consumer Protection Committee and can be contacted by calling 717-787-5072 or sending email to: rtomlinson@pasen.gov.  Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by calling 717-787-4236 or sending email to: boscola@pasenate.com. 

[Posted: March 25, 2021]  PA Environment Digest