The committee held a public hearing on energy and manufacturing in southwest Pennsylvania on September 4.

Rep. Emily Kinkead (D-Allegheny) expressed excitement over energy production and manufacturing in the areas surrounding the airport. She said the proposed Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credit, HB500, would enable western Pennsylvania to be at the forefront of those industries.

Matt Smith, chief growth officer, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, highlighted the airport’s contribution to the region, mentioning $16 billion in capital investments and over 15,000 jobs created or retained in southwestern Pennsylvania. He attributed this success to favorable policies and stressed the need for a statewide energy strategy to address a projected 40-gigawatt shortfall in generation capacity by 2030.

Rep. Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny) asked about the next steps in energy policy for the state legislature, expressing hope for unity in this area. Smith emphasized the importance of simplifying the state-level permitting system, aligning state incentives and tax credits with regional assets and reviewing the regulatory environment to address the power generation shortfall and position Pennsylvania as a leader in the energy sector.

Rep. Robert Matzie (D-Beaver) highlighted the successes around the airport area, including innovative projects and collaborations with local universities, as foundational for future development. He asked Smith to expand on the area’s recent improvements as they relate to the airport. Smith discussed the progress at the airport, its role as an energy-related economic development engine and the importance of federal and state funding in supporting energy and manufacturing projects in Pennsylvania. He noted the potential for the airport to contribute to the sustainable aviation fuel market. Rep. Matzie discussed the importance of sustainable aviation fuel and the PA EDGE tax credit as key components of the governor’s energy plan, emphasizing their bipartisan support and the need for their implementation. He highlighted the challenges of attracting investment to the southwestern region. He praised the Allegheny Conference’s efforts to prepare and market sites for development. Smith emphasized the importance of site investment for attracting energy and manufacturing projects to the Pittsburgh region, mentioning the need for significant investment in sites and showcasing the region’s skilled workforce and collaboration with the building trades for project success.

Rep. Kinkead discussed Ohio’s advancements in data centers and asked about legislative actions other states are taking to enhance Pennsylvania’s competitiveness. Smith highlighted strategies used by other states to attract high-impact projects, including creating curated incentive packages and streamlining the permitting process.

Kevin Hennessy, senior director of policy, Mainspring Energy, discussed the company’s linear generator technology, highlighting its efficiency and flexibility. He announced a $174 million investment in a manufacturing facility near the airport, supported by an $87 million Department of Energy grant and $9.6 million from the state and Allegheny County. He mentioned exploring new tax credits and the potential for 300 construction jobs and nearly 600 full-time positions. He said Mainspring Energy supported the PA EDGE tax credit, along with HB 501 and SB 699, which aim to amend the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS). He advocated for including linear generators in Pennsylvania’s alternative energy portfolio to support the company’s growth and reduce emissions.

Rep. Napoleon Nelson (D-Philadelphia) asked about the efficiency and sustainability of linear generation technology. Hennessy responded that it is more efficient than combustion turbines, with a 46% efficiency rate and significantly reduced emissions.

Rep. Matzie inquired about a hydrogen project in New York, its scalability and its significance to Mainspring Energy’s business model. Hennessy said it would be possible to replicate that project in Pennsylvania. He noted that many states in the northeast are doing something similar. Rep. Matzie expressed his support for a diverse energy portfolio and the importance of federal support for new energy projects in Pennsylvania, emphasizing their potential to address environmental justice and consumer access issues.

Rep. Kinkead showed enthusiasm for hydrogen production in Allegheny, noting its role in transitioning to cleaner technologies and its potential for job creation. She asked for details on the decision to choose Pittsburgh for Mainspring’s project. Hennessy cited the city’s industrial history, workforce, universities and the efforts of local officials and the business community as deciding factors.

Megan Cox, vice president of corporate and government relations, Allegheny County Airport Authority, outlined the airport authority’s initiatives, including a new terminal, an additive manufacturing campus and a microgrid at Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Airports. She discussed the authority’s energy strategy and the economic impact of these projects. She supported the PA EDGE tax credit proposal.

Rep. Matzie asked Cox to highlight the economic importance of the air cargo program at Pittsburgh International Airport. Cox discussed the success of Amazon Air and the completion of a new cargo building, emphasizing Pittsburgh’s efficiency in cargo processing. Rep. Matzie inquired about the development potential of airport property and the availability of pad-ready sites. Cox said there are many pad-ready sites, along with sites that are ready for development. Rep. Matzie praised the management team for their communication during the construction process and anticipated international recognition for the facility.

Rep. John Inglis (D-Allegheny), prime sponsor of HB 500, asked Cox to elaborate on the impact of sustainable aviation fuel production. Cox said sustainable aviation fuel would represent an opportunity to reduce air travel emissions. She said sustainable aviation fuel could bring an entirely new industry to Pennsylvania.

Rep. Kinkead asked about the impact of the transition between administrations on the airport’s approach to hydrogen technology and its incorporation into sustainable aviation fuel. Cox discussed the airport’s transition towards sustainable aviation fuel and the integration of green hydrogen technology, highlighting partnerships for small-scale green hydrogen production. She emphasized the importance of a gradual transition, leveraging existing natural gas operations and exploring new technologies. Rep. Kinkead mentioned the importance of ongoing discussions about these initiatives in the context of the state’s delayed budget, noting that these conversations are valuable for incorporating new ideas into the eventual budget plan.

Rep. Inglis highlighted the importance of the proposed PA EDGE tax credit program, along with other legislation that advances the use of alternative energy sources. “All of these pieces of legislation are aimed at not just addressing the needs of tomorrow, but also creating opportunity,” he said. “All around across the board, it’s a no-brainer, and I think that this region and the commonwealth as a whole, really has an opportunity to become a leader in the future of energy as well as the future of manufacturing.”

Environmental advocacy groups PennFuture and Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania were joined by legislative allies to kick off their inaugural “Lobby Day” at a press conference in the East Wing Rotunda in Harrisburg on September 29.

Patrick McDonnell, president and CEO, PennFuture, said he was elated over the turnout of volunteers at the inaugural Lobby Day event. “The sheer number of people [here] shows how important environmental issues are to every Pennsylvanians who want a better, cleaner future for the next generation,” he said. “Protecting our environment is not just an abstract policy issue, it’s about safeguarding our health, our economy and our future.” He said rising energy demand is straining Pennsylvania’s electrical grid, calling the commonwealth’s dependence on “expensive fossil fuel infrastructure” outdated. He highlighted two bills, HB1260 and HB894, arguing that they replace the status quo by providing real solutions and opportunities.

Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia), chairman, House Energy Committee, said hotter summers and destructive storms are the result of climate change. She noted Pennsylvania’s role as an “energy powerhouse” and a leader in energy creation in the United States. She argued that it was important for Pennsylvania to be competitive in the renewable energy industry against states such as Texas, noting that only 4% of Pennsylvania’s electricity production comes from renewable sources. She criticized the Trump administration for the cancellation of renewable energy tax credits and subsidies, arguing that it has effected hundreds of potential jobs in Pennsylvania.

Rep. Joseph Webster (D-Montgomery), the prime sponsor of HB 894, noted that 17 veterans commit suicide every day in the United States. He said his bill would grant tax credits to clean energy corporations who hire a veteran and train them through an apprenticeship program. He said he hoped the bill would save lives by allowing veterans to thrive in their new careers in the sustainability sector.

Rep. Joshua Siegel (D-Lehigh), the prime sponsor of HB 1260, stressed the impact a clean environment has on the quality of life for Pennsylvanians. He said his bill would require all new warehouses and distribution centers be constructed so that they are solar-ready, as well as provide a tax credit for existing buildings to make necessary retrofits. He argued the construction of solar-ready buildings would create more union construction jobs.

Molly Carson, executive director, Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania, said renewable energy legislation protects the environment while lowering costs for families. She also criticized the Trump administration for rolling back green energy investments. She highlighted several bills supported by her organization, including HB501, which she said would put Pennsylvania on the course to generate 35% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2035. She also advocated for the passing of HB505, which would update energy efficiency measures enabled by Act 129 of 2008. Finally, she voiced her support of HB990 and HB991, which she said would give local municipalities more tools to prevent flooding and improve water quality by investing in green stations.

Agenda: Current Agenda (PDF)

The State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists met on September 18, via hybrid meeting format, at York College. Following are the highlights.

∙ Board President Robert Kudlawiec, PE, presided, and welcomed the members.

∙ Prosecution Liaison Nathan Giunta, Esq., presented two Consent Agreements and Orders, which the Board had considered in executive session. Approved.

∙ Regulatory Counsel Marc Farrell reported on several regulation packages. The annex for the Ethics regulation has been approved, and the Engineers Interns Decoupling reg is being prepared as a “final omitted” reg, bypassing the proposed phase. Both packages should be sent to IRRC in early 2026.

∙ Board member reports: Kudlawiec reported that the NCEES meet in New Orleans August 19-22. He deferred to Lisa Peterson, PE for details. She reported that: 1. ICOR presented guidance documents for overlap areas among design professions; 2. There was an AI presentation that will be critical to the professions; 3. Engineering firms comprise 2^nd highest FE exam applications; 4 NCEES will be adding an ETAC pathway.

∙ Acting Commissioner Arion Claggett had no report.

∙ Board Administrator Kristel Hennessey Himler reported that 69% of Engineer licensees have renewed so far.

∙ Board Counsel Ashley Goshert, Esq., presented a request from NCEES regarding a mutual recognition agreement with UK. Goshert explained that under current PA law, the Board is not permitted to enter into the agreement, though PA can accept UK Engineers. There would need to be a legislative fix to allow PA to enter the agreement.

∙ The Board reviewed and approved several Examination application, and discussed invitations to attend several upcoming events.

Finally, the board discussed correspondence from PSLS suggesting the statute should be changed to allow the board to accept courses office management and practice building.

The next meeting is November 13, with both in-person and virtual options for attendees, in the Eaton Room, 2525 N 7th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110​. Public Session begins at 10:30 AM

HB1331. RE: Capital Budget Project Itemization Act of 2025-2026 (by Rep. Jordan A. Harris)

The Capital Budget Project Itemization Act of 2025-2026 provide for the capital budget for fiscal year 2025-2026; itemizing public improvement projects, furniture and equipment projects, transportation assistance, redevelopment assistance projects, flood control projects and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission projects leased or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies, together with their estimated financial costs; authorizing the incurring of debt without the approval of the electors for the purpose of financing the projects to be constructed, acquired or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies; authorizing the use of current revenue for the purpose of financing the projects to be constructed, acquired or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies stating the estimated useful life of the projects; and making appropriations.

Laid on the table, removed from table, 9/10/2025 

Read second time, and re-committed to House Appropriations Committee, 9/30/2025 

Re-reported as amended from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 10/1/2025 (185-18)

Referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 10/3/2025 

HB1896 RE: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) Transparency Improvements (by Rep. David Madsen, et al)

Amends the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities, further providing for administration of redevelopment assistance capital projects. Revises the provision regarding bids to include where total construction costs are less than $25,000. Asserts that for projects where total construction costs exceed $25,000, the solicitation of bids shall include that workers must be paid at least the prevailing minimum wage rates as determined by the Secretary of Labor and Industry under the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act. Provides that a redevelopment assistance capital project shall be considered a public work and subject to the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act, in its entirety, regardless of the utilization of separate contracts or phases, if the work to be performed on the project is consecutive or contained within the same project site or structure.

Referred to House Appropriations Committee, 9/17/2025

SB160 RE: General Appropriation Act of 2025. (by Sen. Scott Martin)

Provides appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of federal and state funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Section 8101 shall take effect immediately. The remainder of this act shall take effect July 1, 2025, or immediately, whichever is later.

Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 9/11/2025 

Removed from table, 9/23/2025 

Read second time, and re-committed to House Appropriations Committee, 10/1/2025

SB996 RE: Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) Transparency Improvements (by Sen. Nick Pisciottano, et al)

Amends the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities, further providing for administration of redevelopment assistance capital projects. Adds that the solicitation of bids for projects where total construction costs exceed $25,000 shall include that workers must be paid at least the prevailing minimum wage rates as determined by the Secretary of Labor and Industry under the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act. Stipulates that a redevelopment assistance capital project shall be considered a public work and subject to the Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act.

Referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 9/26/2025

SB1000. RE: The General Appropriation Act of 2025 (by Sen. Scott Martin)

Provides appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Appropriates $144,128,000 to the Department of Education for career and technical education.

Referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 9/8/2025

SB1001. RE: CTE Equipment Grants (by Sen. Scott Martin, )

The General Appropriation Act of 2025 provides appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. Appropriates $20 million to the Department of Education for career and technical education equipment grants

Referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 9/8/2025

HR271 RE: Indoor Air Quality Study Resolution (by Rep. Jessica Benham, et al)

A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee and conduct a comprehensive study regarding the indoor air quality for seniors and children in this commonwealth. Adds advisory committee members to include a representative from the Department of Labor and Industry and at least one representative from five nongovernmental organizations representing expertise in public health, green building, construction trades, long-term care and K-12 education.

Reported as amended from House Health Committee, 9/30/2025 

HB1239 RE: Homeowners Associations: Solar Access (by Rep. Liz Hanbidge, et al)

Amends Title 68 (Real and Personal Property), in general provisions relating to condominiums, further providing for definitions; in management of the condominium, further providing for powers of unit owners' association; in general provisions relating to planned communities, further providing for definitions; and, in management of planned communities, further providing for power of unit owners' association. Provides definitions. Prohibits the unit owners’ association from restricting the installation of solar energy systems on a detached roof. Specifies the purposes for which the association may provide reasonable regulation of solar energy systems.

Reported as committed from House Rules Committee, and Laid on the table, 9/10/2025

HB1884 RE: Modernizing the Chapter 105 General Permit Process (by Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, et al)

Amends the Clean Streams Law, in general provisions and public policy, providing for general permit modernization. Asserts that the department will establish a centralized online application system for general permits within one year of the effective date. Provides that the system shall include a unified interface to electronically submit all general permit applications and be functional for geographic information system mapping, permit tracking and mobile accessibility. Requires the department to retain a paper-based application. Provides that the department should develop and make publicly available standardized drawings, processes, procedures and instructions for a general permit. Establishes a custom application for independent review by the department for a proposed project that does not conform to standardized drawings and instructions. Provides for a permit-specific checklist for each general permit and an automated system to notify the applicant for a general permit under relevant regulatory agencies and county conservation districts, within one year of the effective date. Provides that an applicant can begin activities authorized by a general permit after receiving notice to proceed. Establishes guidelines for the implementation of uniform standards for the enforcement and inspection of activities under general permit issuance, within one year of the effective date. Requires a report to be submitted to the House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee and Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee beginning two years after the effective date and annually thereafter.

Referred to House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee, 9/29/2025

HB1701 RE: Creating a School Facilities Inventory within the PA Department of Education (by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, et al)

Amends the Public School Code, in grounds and buildings, further providing for referendum or public hearing required prior to construction or lease; providing an article for school facilities; establishing the Public School Facility Advisory Committee; in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, repealing provisions relating to building condition assessments; and imposing duties on the Department of Education (PDE). Includes the addition of administrative space as a secondary building as part of the applicable aggregate building expenditure standard for the total amount calculated for each building or substantial addition. Adds article VII-A and provides several definitions. Establishes the powers and duties of PDE. Stipulates the collection of information from each public school facility. Outlines required information. Requires PDE to develop a form and electronic process for each school entity to submit the required information no later than April 1, 2027, and for each school entity to submit the information no later than December 31, 2027. Permits the provision of technical assistance. Mandates updating inventories beginning with the 2028-2029 school year and every three years thereafter. Establishes the duties of the Public School Facility Advisory Committee. Details the committee’s member composition. Outlines the frequency of committee meetings. Asserts that the members serve without compensation but are reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Mandates the development of a statewide facility condition assessment. Provides applicability of the assessment. Requires reporting and lists the required contents. Stipulates that within one year of its receipt of a facility condition assessment under section 705-A(c), each school entity shall develop a plan for the modernization of its facilities based upon the assessment results and shall post the plan on its website. Requires the installation of a secure master key box and for immediate notification to local law enforcement of any changes to the locks, doors or other access control devices on the main entrances or other critical access points of the school building. Repeals section regarding building condition assessments. The amendment of section 701.1 of the act is effective in 60 days. The remainder of the act is effective immediately.

Reported as amended from House Education Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 9/30/2025 

HB257 RE: Transit Funding (by Rep. Ed Neilson, et al)

Amending Titles 4 (Amusements), 74 (Transportation) and 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in interactive gaming, further providing for interactive gaming tax; in sustainable mobility options, further providing for definitions, for fund and for operating program and providing for annual performance evaluation and for operating a controlled substance injection site near infrastructure of a local transportation organization; in metropolitan transportation authorities, further providing for special prosecutor for mass transit; in public-private transportation partnerships, providing for metropolitan transportation authority projects; in licensing of drivers, further providing for persons ineligible for licensing, license issuance to minors and junior driver's license, for learners' permits, for application for driver's license or learner's permit by minor and for examination of applicant for driver's license; in miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, providing for the offense of interference with operation or movement of a public transit vehicle and for sentencing enhancement for drug delivery on transit; in lighting equipment, further providing for use and display of illuminated signs; in taxes for highway maintenance and construction, providing for supplemental funding for three and four digit highway construction; and establishing the Supplemental Funding for Three and Four Digit State Routes Account in the Motor License Fund.

House Democrat Bill Analysis: hb257-house-democratic-caucus-summary.pdf

Referred to House Rules Committee, 9/9/2025

HB1608 RE: Design Build Best Value Procurement (by Rep. Ed Neilson, et al)

Amends Title 74 (Transportation), in transportation infrastructure, providing for design build best value. Defines “agency,” “alternative technical concept,” “commission,” “commissioners,” “department,” “design build best value,” “offeror,” “project,” “request for proposals,” “request for qualifications,” “responsible offeror,” “responsive proposal,” “secretary,” “shortlisted offeror” and “statement of qualifications.” Provides for a design build best value process with a value score, conditions for its use and limits for the amount of projects procured per agency. Establishes the need for public notice of a determination when using design build best value practices and the process for one-step or two-step requests for proposals. Provides for the receipt of statements of qualifications and requests for proposals, and how to submit them. Provides for a preproposal conference to be scheduled after issuance of a request for qualifications in a two-step procurement and a request for proposal in a one-step procurement. Establishes a process for the request for technical and price proposals in a one-step procurement. Provides for a process and the statement of qualifications for a two-step procurement for an agency. Provides for technical and price proposal processes in a two-step procurement. Provides for alternative technical concepts (ATCs) and an approval process of an ATC for an agency. Establishes a record of requests for ATCs and the use of intellectual property. Provides for payment from an agency to an unsuccessful responsible offeror for ATCs who are not receiving a stipend under subsection o. Provides for stipends on a project-by-project basis in a one-step and two-step procurement. Establishes due dates for technical and price proposals. Provides that the most advantageous proposal will be selected by the agency for negotiation. Provides an ATC of an unsuccessful offeror can be utilized by the agency after a payment execution. Establishes that a proposal validity period is established in the proposal. Provides for an evaluation committee of the proposals with at least five employees determined by the agency and an individual employed by the offeror within the preceding five years cannot participate in proposal evaluations. Provides for the applicability of other laws. Establishes the limitations on powers and duties of an agency that may not be exercised beginning eight years after the effective date of the section and an exception to contracts procured prior to eight years after the section’s effective date

Laid on the table, 9/10/2025 

Removed from table, read second time, and re-committed to House Appropriations Committee, 9/30/2025 

Re-reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 10/1/2025 (191-12)

Referred to Senate Transportation Committee, 10/3/2025

HB664 RE: Road Salt Management (by Rep. Joe Webster, et al)

Amends the State Highway Law, in special provisions affecting local authorities, providing for Road Salt Management Best Practices Guide. Requires the creation and usage of the Road Salt Management Best Practices Guide for local jurisdictions and the commonwealth to minimize the adverse environmental impact of road salt runoff. Mandates the Department of Transportation to annually update the guide. Provides what the department may put in the guide. Defines “department” and “guide.”

Reported as committed from House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee, read first time, and aid on the table, 9/29/2025