HARRISBURG, June 17 – Legislation aimed at reducing electricity costs and increasing reliability for Pennsylvania households and small businesses by requiring electric utilities to set targets for and procure grid-stabilizing battery storage cleared the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee today, the bill’s prime sponsor, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, announced. “Increasing demand for energy for cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies is rapidly driving up electricity costs for Pennsylvanians,” Rivera said. “My legislation offers a practical, proven solution to help keep the lights on and electric bills affordable by requiring electric utilities to set targets for and invest in grid-stabilizing battery storage.” House Bill 2380 would require Pennsylvania’s largest electric utilities to install 3,000 megawatts of battery storage by 2033. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission would assign the shares of the 3,000 megawatts based on the service load and annual peak demand of each electric company with more than 600,000 customers. Rivera’s plan would help lower costs by reducing congestion on the electric grid, limiting the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades and reducing reliance on costly peak-period power purchases. The bill also includes competitive procurement requirements and regulatory oversight to help ensure that projects deliver value for ratepayers. Read more

HARRISBURG, June 12 – State Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, today introduced H.B. 2632 which would improve transparency in Educational Improvement Tax Credit programs by closing reporting gaps to ensure that funds are directed to their intended recipients. Rivera said EITC programs have grown into a $680 million public investment in nonpublic education in fiscal year 2025-26, more than four times the $150 million cap in place a decade ago. However, the Independent Fiscal Office has found that critical data gaps make it impossible to fully evaluate the program's effectiveness. “While EITC funding has quadrupled over the last decade, key reporting gaps have left lawmakers and taxpayers unable to assess whether public funds have reached the students and schools they were intended to aid,” Rivera said. “That should concern everyone. “My legislation would close these reporting gaps and ensure greater accountability so we know that these scholarships have reached the intended students.” House Bill 2632 would: Reallocate credits in 2026-27 to better align with program demand. Create a new program beginning in 2027-28. The new program would: Increase oversight of scholarship granting organizations. Target resources to students living in the attendance area of a low-achieving public school or attending a nonpublic school in a low-income ZIP code. Increase transparency on how scholarship dollars are used, Read more

LANCASTER, June 11 – Building on the success of her May event promoting Red Rose Authority’s services, state Rep. Nikki Rivera, D-Lancaster, will lead a second “Bus it to Market” trip on Saturday, June 27, to Central Market in Lancaster to raise awareness of the region’s affordable bus transportation system. “Residents on last month’s ‘Bus it to Market’ trip told me how much they enjoyed the ease and affordability of RRTA’s bus ride to Central Market,” Rivera said. “I’m leading a second ride so that more of our residents can experience for themselves how central Lancaster City’s eclectic mix of one-of-a-kind shops and creative restaurants is just a short RRTA bus ride away. And knowledge of how to use our public transportation can lead to new job opportunities.” Rivera said that she hopes her Bus It to Market excursions will show residents that RRTA buses are a fast, reliable, and inexpensive way to get to Lancaster and other places in the region. According to Rivera, Lancaster has unhealthy levels of air pollution. She cited the American Lung Association’s 2025 “State of the Air” report, which listed the Lancaster metro area as rejoining the worst 25 cities in the U.S., at 22nd most polluted in the nation and second worst in the Mid-Atlantic for daily particle pollution. The Lancaster area’s year-round pollution went from bad to worse, from 57th to 45th Read more

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Juvenile Justice System Enhancement Strategy (JJSES) Who May Apply: Private non-profit agency or unit of local government Use: To build on the work that has been completed to date and advance statewide training and technical assistance around the JJSES framework with a strong focus on continuous quality improvement and fundamental fairness Funds: A total of $450,000 in federal Title II Formula Grant funds is being announced to support this initiative. PCCD expects to fund one grant with a budget not to exceed $450,000 over the 12- month project period. Matching funds are not a requirement of this funding opportunity, but a sustainability plan must be included as part of the application submitted. Application Deadline: July 13, 2026 More information: PCCD Website Commission on Crime and Delinquency: Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Improvements Who May Apply: State, county, or municipal forensic crime laboratories to support activities that improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services. Use: To improve the quality and timeliness of forensic services throughout Pennsylvania, with an emphasis on combating opioids and synthetic drugs through laboratory accreditation, the certification of forensic scientists, and the purchase of laboratory equipment. Funds: A total of approximately $740,000 in federal Paul Coverdell Forensic Read more

PROGRAMS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS: Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Environmental Protection: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebate Program Who May Apply: Pennsylvania residents whose total household income is below 400 percent of the Federal Income Poverty Level. Use: This program provides a rebate to Pennsylvanians who purchase or lease alternative fuel vehicles. Funds: Rebates vary depending on type of vehicle purchased. Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted and evaluated on a first come, first served basis as long as funds remain available. Please note applications must be received within six months of the date of the vehicle purchase. More information: DEP Website Department of Environmental Protection: WIIN 2107: Voluntary School and Childcare Lead testing and Reduction Grant Who May Apply: Childcare facilities and schools located in Pennsylvania with Read more