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School leaders, education advocates tout success of bipartisan Solar for Schools program, encourage schools to apply

(May 05, 2026)

HARRISBURG, May 5 – On Monday, Pennsylvania school superintendents from across the state gathered in Harrisburg to celebrate the first successful year of the Solar for Schools program. The group was joined by education advocates who encouraged schools to apply for the bipartisan state grant program’s second year of funding . “With electricity prices rising quickly, schools need a solution to reduce operating costs. The 74 K-12 schools awarded Solar for Schools grants last year expect to save more than $5 million in electricity costs annually. We urge our legislators to continue funding this successful grant program that enables our schools to invest in student learning rather than utility bills,” said Shannon Crooker , Pennsylvania director of Generation180. In January, when the program reopened for applications, a bicameral, bipartisan group of legislators celebrated the program’s second year of funding. Solar for Schools legislation was originally introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. “At its core, this project is about more than just energy. It’s about responsibility, innovation and opportunity,” said Willie Slade, superintendent of Steelton-Highspire School District. “As educators, our mission is to prepare students not just for the next test, but for the future they will inherit. That future demands that we think differently about how we use resources, Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates unanimous Pa. House vote for Advanced Transmission Technologies bill and bipartisan passage of PEDA Modernization bill

(May 05, 2026)

HARRISBURG, May 5 – On Monday, the PA House of Representatives passed legislation that would address the energy affordability crisis by protecting utility customers from expenses related to infrastructure upgrades. The Advanced Transmission Technologies bill (H.B. 2223) passed with unanimous support. The House also passed the PEDA Modernization bill (H.B. 2347) to advance energy generation and grid stabilization.“Pennsylvania needs to make use of efficient energy infrastructure if we’re going to address our energy demand and energy affordability issues. ATTs are a commonsense, cost-effective strategy that will protect customers and help utility companies save money too – I'm glad to see this legislation received bipartisan support,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee and author of both bills. Advanced Transmission Technologies are a collection of modern hardware and software tools that increase the capacity, efficiency, and reliability of existing grid infrastructure. This allows consumers to get more out of the existing grid and avoid the need to build new lines, saving families and small businesses money on their bills. House Bill 2223 would require utilities in Pennsylvania to demonstrate that they have evaluated ATTs whenever they file to build or upgrade electric transmission lines. The Public Utility Commission would be prohibited from approving a project unless it determines that the applicant has incorporated all advanced... Read more

 

State House passes bipartisan legislation to advance geothermal energy development

(May 04, 2026)

HARRISBURG, May 4 – With several states beginning to establish regulations for geothermal energy, Pennsylvania has now joined that group with the state House passing bipartisan legislation to foster the development of this clean base load energy source, announced the bill’s co-prime sponsors, state Reps. Arvind Venkat, Craig Williams and Elizabeth Fiedler. House Bill 2076 would establish a framework for the development of geothermal energy, which allows for heat deep beneath the Earth's surface to be harnessed for energy from places it previously was not able to be collected. Before recent technological developments, geothermal energy production historically took place near volcanoes and hot springs. “This legislation will enable us to make bold investments into Pennsylvania’s geothermal resources that we have not been able to use before,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny . “We have been a national leader in energy development, and this legislation would enable us to move forward in the world of clean energy production and create jobs, while also reducing energy costs for consumers.” The framework in this legislation includes several new developments for geothermal energy, including authorizing the state Department of Environmental Protection to regulate geothermal injection wells with a predictable and responsible permitting framework, establish subsurface ownership rights for geothermal resources, Read more

 

Fiedler announces S.P.R.I.N.G. initiative for public spaces in South Philly; celebrates $3.6 million already awarded

(Apr 30, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, April 30 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila, today announced her new initiative, South Philly Revitalization Initiative for New Greenspace, or SPRING, to encourage the maintenance and development of playgrounds, green space, and other public spaces in her district. “It’s important that children, seniors and people of all ages have a space for relaxation and recreation right in their own neighborhood,” Fiedler said. “Playgrounds and green space are good for our bodies and our minds, and serve as important gathering spaces in our communities, allowing us to connect and meet our neighbors. Since I came into office, we have worked diligently to bring back state funds for this purpose. I’m so proud of the work that we have done!” Since taking office, Fiedler has brought in over $3.6 million in state funding to directly support schools, community centers, libraries, parks, sports facilities, and other spaces for rest and play. Green and recreation spaces have many proven benefits for communities, especially for youth. Research shows that playgrounds have a positive impact on children’s mental and physical health. Access to green spaces like parks also eases stress, encourages physical activity , and creates positive social conditions that deter crime for both children and adults. The initiative will also bring Read more

 

New legislation to tax Big Tech’s digital advertising considered by PA House committee

(Apr 29, 2026)

HARRISBURG, April 29 - The PA House Finance Committee today considered H.B. 1678 , new legislation that would tax revenue derived from digital advertising platforms. The bill, known as the Digital Ads Tax, was introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, and John Inglis, D-Allegheny. House Bill 1678 would extend the existing gross receipts tax -- a 5% tax already paid by telecommunications and other industries -- to revenue from digital advertising platforms, which sell ad space on websites and apps. Digital ads subject to the tax would include banners, search engine results, and full-screen interstitial ads. The vast majority of the tax will be paid by the wealthiest Big Tech corporations, including Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok, and Microsoft, the sponsors said. “Working people are struggling under the weight of the rising cost of groceries, gas, and housing, but still manage to pay their taxes. This legislation calls on some of the biggest corporations in the world to pay their fair share,” said Fiedler. “This legislation doesn’t cost people in Pennsylvania a penny. But with investment by these huge for-profit corporations, we can fund the infrastructure we all count on: roads, bridges, schools, and transit.” “I appreciate Chair Fiedler for introducing this legislation and thank the members of the committee for their thoughtful discussion on the Read more

 

Chairman Harris, Rep. Fiedler join medical experts and advocates to highlight vaccine education

(Apr 23, 2026)

“In just a few days I’ll be coming back here for my kids’ appointments. I know how tough it is as parent: you’re trying to do your best, keeping up with jobs, with paying for groceries, it is a lot,” said Fiedler. “Making health decisions can be overwhelming to add on to that. We are so lucky to have experts right here in South Philly who we can turn to, who we can trust.” Read more

 

Pielli and Fiedler introduce bill to end excess utility profits

(Apr 20, 2026)

"We need energy to live, to keep our homes running, to stay cool in the summer – and when families can't afford their energy bills, it means we need to restore balance to a broken system," Fiedler said. "This is a commonsense solution that will lighten the load on regular ratepayers who are already shouldering costs that are far too high." Read more

 

Fiedler reacts to PECO rate case withdrawal, calls out utility price gouging

(Apr 16, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, April 16 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee, issued the following response to PECO’s rate case withdrawal Thursday: “People in my district are already struggling. They’re working multiple jobs, canceling doctors’ appointments, and putting groceries back on the shelf instead of in their cart. It’s painful to think about the choices that Pennsylvanians would face if their bills shot up by another $30 a month, but that was almost their reality. “I am relieved to hear the news that PECO customers will avoid another unnecessary rate hike. The withdrawal of the proposed rate increase will save 1.7 million ratepayers a total of $510 million on their utility bills. PECO’s requested hike would have increased some household bills by up to $34 a month. “This reversal makes evident that a rate hike was never necessary to maintain safe and reliable service. It shows us that utility companies are making extraordinary profits already, at a cost to working people and families. “PECO’s CEO made more than $15 million last year. Meanwhile, utility bills are up 10 to 20 percent. The war in Iran, reckless tariffs, and big tech have worsened the affordability crisis. Pennsylvanians are making impossibly painful choices just to pay their bills and stay afloat. They deserve to thrive – not just survive. Read more

 

To protect Pennsylvanians from skyrocketing energy costs, Pa. House Democrats introduce energy affordability legislation that would lower bills, rein in corporate greed

(Apr 15, 2026)

HARRISBURG, April 15 – On Wednesday, PA House Democrats launched a bold new bill package to tackle the energy affordability crisis by reining in corporate greed, implementing electric grid efficiency measures, and regulating data centers’ impacts on Pennsylvania communities. This package offers a multifaceted response by:•guaranteeing that costs related to data center development are not shouldered by ratepayers,•reforming Pennsylvania’s broken ratemaking system to ensure customers pay a fair price for the energy they use, and •modernizing the state’s electric grid so growing energy demand can be met at a reasonable cost.Across the commonwealth, Pennsylvanians are facing skyrocketing energy costs. Utility shutoffs were up 38% in 2025 as 1-in-5 Pennsylvania households report having trouble paying their utility bills each month. House Energy Committee chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., said it’s clear that this crisis is reaching a breaking point. Read more

 

House Energy Committee advances three bills to bring next-generation energy technologies to the Commonwealth

(Apr 13, 2026)

HARRISBURG, April 13 – Today, members of the House Energy Committee voted favorably to report three bills out of committee that would expand energy generation in Pennsylvania and improve grid efficiency.The bills are:•Geothermal Energy Development, H.B. 2076.•Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs), H.B. 2223.•PEDA Modernization, H.B. 2347. Following a series of public hearings and informational meetings on the Commonwealth’s surging energy needs, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee, convened a voting meeting on these key bills. Read more

 

Amid energy affordability crisis, House Blue-Green Caucus launches new bill package to expand clean energy, strengthen workforce

(Apr 13, 2026)

HARRISBURG, April 13 – On Monday, members of the House Blue-Green Caucus stood with leading labor and environmental advocates to unveil a new package of bills designed to accelerate Pennsylvania’s clean energy production and create union jobs in growing energy sectors. This package comes at a crucial moment as energy prices rise, renewable energy sector jobs are under threat, and Pennsylvania continues to rank among the lowest in renewable energy production. From Trump’s disastrous war with Iran to the systematic rollback of federal clean energy investments, working Pennsylvanians are currently bearing the brunt of skyrocketing electricity costs and ballooning prices at the gas pumps. With federal decisions driving up prices, the 58-member Blue-Green Caucus chaired by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., said that Harrisburg must step up to provide real, state-level solutions. “Pennsylvania is an energy leader, with a highly skilled workforce and the resources and space for energy development: there’s no reason why we should be falling behind states like Texas when it comes to renewable energy production,” Fiedler said. “We have 581 million square feet of warehouse rooftop space to install solar panels, we have hundreds of schools eager to apply for Solar for Schools grant funding, and we have working people who want and deserve good, family-sustaining jobs. This package is a win-win-win for Read more

 

House Energy Committee holds public hearing on groundbreaking geothermal energy development bill

(Mar 27, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 27 – The PA House Energy Committee convened a public hearing on a bipartisan clean energy bill (H.B. 2076) sponsored by state Reps. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny; Craig Williams, R-Chester; and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the committee. The bill would establish regulations for the generation of energy from geothermal resources within the Commonwealth. Read more

 

First-ever data center regulations in Pennsylvania history pass House

(Mar 24, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 24 – On Tuesday, the PA House passed H.B. 1834, legislation that would create the first-ever regulatory framework for data centers in Pennsylvania. The bill is a multifaceted response that would protect ratepayers from even higher utility bills, increase the construction of renewable energy, and fund low-income energy assistance programs. The bill was introduced by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver.Pennsylvania has become a site of interest for widespread data center development, yet the Commonwealth currently has no statewide standards for data centers and lacks oversight of these facilities.As a result, ratepayers are often left footing the bill for upgrades to grid infrastructure required by large-load projects like data centers. The immense amount of energy needed to power data centers is also a major driver of rising energy prices, which have increased faster than inflation over the past six years. Consequently, one in six Pennsylvania families are struggling to keep up with their bills, and utility shutoffs rose 38% in 2025. Read more

 

House Energy Committee hears testimony on competitive financing opportunities, efficiency, and clean energy projects through PEDA

(Mar 24, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 24 – Continuing its efforts to ensure the commonwealth can reliably meet rising energy demand, the House Energy Committee convened an informational meeting on Monday on the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority’s role in building out new energy generation resources. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee, said Pennsylvania’s rising energy demand stems from the rapid proliferation of data centers that support artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the increasing electrification of vehicles and household appliances, and growth in the advanced manufacturing sector. To keep pace and prevent energy bills from rising further, the state must add new generation projects to the energy mix and adopt efficiency measures. Read more

 

Testifiers emphasize the role of grid modernization in curbing rising energy costs

(Mar 18, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 17 – On Monday, PA House Energy Committee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., convened a public hearing to discuss ways to modernize and upgrade Pennsylvania’s electric grid using lower-cost, high-efficiency solutions.Members of the committee heard testimony from industry experts on H.B. 2223, which would encourage the adoption of advanced transmission technologies, and H.B. 2264, which would establish a virtual power plant program in Pennsylvania. ATTs and VPPs offer cost-effective opportunities to strengthen grid reliability, expand capacity, and ensure energy costs are kept as low as possible for consumers and small businessesPennsylvania’s energy demand is being driven higher by the rapid expansion of data centers that support artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the increasing electrification of vehicles and household appliances, and the power needs of advanced manufacturing. This demand shift has already led to record increases in energy bills for regular households, with shutoffs increasing by 38% in 2025. To keep pace, the Commonwealth’s electric grid requires significant and timely capacity upgrades. Read more

 

House Energy Committee advances two bills strengthening transparency and community protections related to data centers

(Mar 06, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 6 - On Monday, the House Energy Committee, chaired by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., advanced H.B. 2150 and H.B. 2151. If enacted, these bills would strengthen transparency and protections for communities navigating nearby data center proposals.Fiedler said major tech companies have ushered in the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video streaming within the last five years, resulting in a data center development boom. Communities across Pennsylvania are now grappling with proposals from developers to site data centers, which require a tremendous amount of energy and water. Read more

 

Fiedler applauds bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy economy, looks forward to more from House Energy Committee

(Feb 06, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 - This week, the PA House passed two bills aimed at driving innovation and investment in Pennsylvania’s energy and manufacturing sectors, earning bipartisan support. One, an advanced clean manufacturing bill sponsored by House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and the other, a measure to reduce barriers for emerging nuclear technologies sponsored by Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila. are designed to strengthen the state’s clean energy economy.Additionally, legislation requiring new warehouses to be built solar-ready, sponsored by Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks, also advanced in the House this week.“We face a looming energy crisis that could have life-changing impacts on the people of Pennsylvania,” Fiedler said. “We must act with urgency and rise to the moment, building on Pennsylvania’s historic role as an energy leader and innovator.”Fiedler’s H.B. 1556 would incentivize the development of a clean manufacturing economy in PA by offering a tax credit of 30% of qualified production costs for an advanced clean manufacturing project. By covering operational costs, the tax credit would encourage companies to stay and grow in Pennsylvania.An advanced clean manufacturing facility is defined as a site that produces clean steel, clean aluminum, clean cement, clean glass, electric grid modernization equipment, energy-efficient heat pumps and turbines, or hydrogen electrolyzers. With growing demand for these products, this legislation would position... Read more

 

House Energy Committee advances bill to address energy affordability

(Feb 03, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 3 – On Monday, the PA House Energy Committee voted to advance legislation aimed at protecting consumers from rising costs associated with data center projects. Separately, the committee heard testimony on bills that would enhance reporting and transparency from data centers and provide local officials with a model ordinance to guide responsible development.Data center projects are rapidly proliferating nationwide due to the explosive growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and video streaming.As chair of the House Energy Committee, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., has made it a priority to shield consumers from bearing additional costs related to these projects.“People’s bills are too high. We need to do everything we can to keep bills down and ensure the heat and lights come on when Pennsylvanians need them,” said Fiedler. “Affordability and reliability are at the heart of the work we are doing on the Energy Committee, and these bills are a key part of that. Without accountability, big for-profit tech companies could try to push more costs onto everyday consumers.”The Data Center Consumer Protection Bill (H.B. 1834), sponsored by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, was amended and approved by the committee. A public hearing on the bill was held in October 2025. If enacted, the legislation would protect ratepayers by establishing a regulatory framework for data centers operating in Pennsylvania.“Today’s vote brings us one step closer to... Read more

 

Legislators, advocates celebrate opening of popular Solar for Schools Program; Urge Pa. schools to apply now for $25 million in grants

(Jan 29, 2026)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 29 – The application period has opened for the second year of the popular Solar for Schools Grant Program, a bipartisan initiative passed into law in 2024. The program received another $25 million in the 2025-26 state budget, following the initial state investment of $25 million. An impressive bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, along with solar organizations and advocates, applauded the renewed funding. The program comes as consumers and schools are struggling with rising costs: energy prices have outpaced inflation over the past six years and are currently the second highest cost for schools in Pennsylvania. “Schools are facing a massive energy affordability crisis, just like people are at home with their utility bills,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler , D-Phila, who sponsored the initial legislation. “Year one of the Solar for Schools Program was a huge success, and applications are now opening at a perfect time for year two of the program. As prices go up and the federal government continues to slash programs and funding to increase renewable energy supply in PA, our state government must step up to help produce more energy right here in PA. Solar for Schools shows that we have the bipartisan support, in both chambers, to achieve this.” School districts, charter schools, career and technical schools, community colleges, and intermediate units are eligible to apply now on the Department Read more

 

As utility bills soar, PA House Energy and Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities committees discuss solutions at joint hearing

(Jan 20, 2026)

“I hear from constituents constantly about how hard it is right now, especially this winter, to afford the basics. We’re talking monthly bills in the hundreds of dollars just to keep a small apartment warm,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, majority chair of the House Energy Committee. “We need to look at every possible solution, and it’s my job to make sure the Energy Committee is passing workable, well-researched legislation that lowers prices.” Read more

 

School leaders, education advocates tout success of bipartisan Solar for Schools program, encourage schools to apply
May 05, 2026

Fiedler celebrates unanimous Pa. House vote for Advanced Transmission Technologies bill and bipartisan passage of PEDA Modernization bill
May 05, 2026

State House passes bipartisan legislation to advance geothermal energy development
May 04, 2026

Fiedler announces S.P.R.I.N.G. initiative for public spaces in South Philly; celebrates $3.6 million already awarded
Apr 30, 2026

New legislation to tax Big Tech’s digital advertising considered by PA House committee
Apr 29, 2026

Chairman Harris, Rep. Fiedler join medical experts and advocates to highlight vaccine education
Apr 23, 2026

Pielli and Fiedler introduce bill to end excess utility profits
Apr 20, 2026

Fiedler reacts to PECO rate case withdrawal, calls out utility price gouging
Apr 16, 2026

To protect Pennsylvanians from skyrocketing energy costs, Pa. House Democrats introduce energy affordability legislation that would lower bills, rein in corporate greed
Apr 15, 2026

House Energy Committee advances three bills to bring next-generation energy technologies to the Commonwealth
Apr 13, 2026

Amid energy affordability crisis, House Blue-Green Caucus launches new bill package to expand clean energy, strengthen workforce
Apr 13, 2026

House Energy Committee holds public hearing on groundbreaking geothermal energy development bill
Mar 27, 2026

First-ever data center regulations in Pennsylvania history pass House
Mar 24, 2026

House Energy Committee hears testimony on competitive financing opportunities, efficiency, and clean energy projects through PEDA
Mar 24, 2026

Testifiers emphasize the role of grid modernization in curbing rising energy costs
Mar 18, 2026

House Energy Committee advances two bills strengthening transparency and community protections related to data centers
Mar 06, 2026

Fiedler applauds bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy economy, looks forward to more from House Energy Committee
Feb 06, 2026

House Energy Committee advances bill to address energy affordability
Feb 03, 2026

Legislators, advocates celebrate opening of popular Solar for Schools Program; Urge Pa. schools to apply now for $25 million in grants
Jan 29, 2026

As utility bills soar, PA House Energy and Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities committees discuss solutions at joint hearing
Jan 20, 2026