PA Environment Digest Blog: Rep. Martin Causer Returns As Republican Chair Of House Environmental Committee; Priority- Getting Government 'Out Of The Way' Of Energy Production

On December 10, Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron) announced he will again serve as Republican/Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

“Energy needs continue to grow here in the Commonwealth, across the country and around the world,” Rep. Causer said. “Pennsylvania can play a significant role in meeting this increasing demand, if only government would get out of the way. My goal as chairman is to continue advocating for policies that help realize our untapped energy potential.”

Addressing the reliability of the state’s electric grid is a top priority in the coming session.

At a committee hearing in the fall, members were told government subsidies and regulations that incentivize particular energy sources, especially renewable sources like wind and solar that are less reliable, can threaten the free market design of the energy industry that has historically allowed Pennsylvania to be an energy powerhouse with low costs for consumers.

The proliferation of Artificial Intelligence and data centers, as well as the electrification of heating and transportation, are placing greater demand on the electric grid, while, at the same time, the Shapiro administration is pushing policies that inhibit energy production in the Commonwealth.

“At best, this will lead to higher costs for consumers. At worst, it could lead to more frequent power outages or even rolling blackouts,” Rep. Causer said. “The perfect storm is forming, and it’s up to us to step in and make sure we have the resources necessary to maintain a stable, reliable electric grid for our citizens. That means producing energy both from fossil fuels AND renewable sources.

“The key to economic growth in Pennsylvania is increased energy production,” he continued. “With the incoming Trump administration focused on enhanced energy production, I believe this is an opportunity for the state and federal governments to work together on this critical issue. We can grow our economy, put people to work and bring down the cost of energy.”

The Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has broad jurisdiction over the state’s energy resources and development.

This includes regulations and conservation efforts; initiatives related to public lands and their renewable resources; policies affecting surface mining, coal, oil and gas, forestry, and mineral leasing; and oversight of air and water resources.

The Committee also has legislative oversight of the departments of Environmental Protection and Conservation and Natural Resources.

Click Here for the press release.

Resource Links:

-- House Republicans Name Advocate For Conventional Oil & Gas Industry Rep. Martin Causer Chair Of House Environmental Committee [PaEN]

-- Rep. Vitali To Introduce Bill Banning The Disposal Of Conventional Oil & Gas Wastewater By Dumping It On Public Roads; Rep. Causer To Introduce Bill Legalizing It [PaEN]

-- Republican Rep. Causer Blames DEP Database For Showing Conventional Oil & Gas Owners Abandoning, Not Plugging Their Wells; Industry Wants To Redefine Owner Responsibility For Their Abandoned Wells [PaEN]

-- PA House Republicans Introduce Bill Creating An Energy Advocate With Power To Veto Any Action By Any State Agency That Harms Energy Reliability, Affordability [PaEN]

-- PA House Republicans Announce Energy Package, Including An Energy Advocate Within DEP To Veto Any Action That Would Impact PA’s Energy Portfolio And An Independent Energy Office With The Same Power [PaEN]

-- House Committee Told Governor’s Energy Plan Diversifies Energy Generation, Avoids One-Fuel Dependence, Improves Grid Reliability, Lowers Consumer Costs, Generates Jobs; Or Upends Competitive Markets And Is A ‘Death Wish’ For Our Economy [PaEN]

-- House Hearing: Shapiro Administration Supports Expanding Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards; Renewables Lower Energy Costs; Increase Grid Reliability; More Work Needed To Improve Gas Reliability [PaEN]