Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Rep. Robert F. Matzie | News Center

Matzie: More than $200K secured to fund compressed natural gas vehicles for Beaver County waste collection

(Mar 27, 2026)

“This is exciting news,” Matzie said. “Compressed natural gas vehicles require less fuel and maintenance, produce much lower emissions, and operate more quietly. All of that means savings for taxpayers, cleaner air in our neighborhoods and reduced noise for residents. I’m looking forward to seeing our communities reap the benefits of the new technology.” Read more

 

Matzie: $225K secured for District 16 municipal planning, resources and equipment

(Mar 27, 2026)

“The new grants will allow municipalities and departments in our district to address practical needs – replacement vehicles and equipment to keep services flowing, project funding for safer play spaces and planning resources to invite new economic development,” Matzie said. “It all adds up to improved quality of life. I’ll continue advocating and working with our state agencies and local partners to bring more of those dollars home to benefit residents.” Read more

 

Matzie Works to Protect Consumers from Data Centers Increasing Costs

(Mar 27, 2026)

PA state Rep. Rob Matzie discusses how his legislation would protect PA consumers from rising electricity costs caused by data centers. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety

(Mar 25, 2026)

“It’s been three years since the catastrophe in East Palestine. We can’t sit around and wait for that to happen again,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “I am glad the House took action to prevent the next rail disaster and make our communities and families safer by passing this bill. H.B. 1191 is a way we can start to reduce derailments and protect workers, first responders and community residents.” 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

 

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to protect utility consumers from data center-driven rate hikes

(Mar 24, 2026)

“Normally, if an electric company adds poles and wires or equipment, we all share in the costs. That’s because it’s making the delivery system better for all of us,” Matzie said. “That’s not the case with data centers. No one’s electric bill should ever go up because a data center has located in Pennsylvania, but we need to plan ahead to make sure that doesn’t happen." Read more

 

Matzie: Newly released study recommends changes to PIAA policies

(Mar 24, 2026)

“The study’s findings and recommendations demonstrate the need for updated PIAA policies relative to how transfers are monitored and adjudicated, where and how certain private, charter, and co-op schools get their student athletes, and how championship sites are determined,” Matzie said. “This vindicates the questions I’ve raised over the past several years, especially in regard to the treatment of the Aliquippa School District.” Read more

 

Matzie: Historical grant funding secured for borough of Ambridge

(Mar 23, 2026)

AMBRIDGE, March 23 – The borough of Ambridge has been awarded $13,500 in grant funding, part of the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission’s Certified Local Government Grant Program, Rep. Robert Matzie has announced. The program aims to provide financial support in administering local preservation programs, such as the development of tools, products and services. Funding from the program will go toward updating Old Economy Village, home to 17 historic buildings along the Ohio River. “Ambridge has been a site of historic beauty for quite some time, and I’m proud to support funding that grows the borough’s profile and engages the public with everything the borough has to offer,” Matzie said. “I thank the commission for its generous support.” In total, $151,477 in grants were awarded across seven counties, including a set-aside for mini-grants and scholarships. The amount reflects the required 10% of the commission’s award from the National Park Service. “Preserving Pennsylvania history has been a cause of mine because we should all be proud of where we come from,” Matzie said. “This is a wonderful state with a deep, rich history; and we should all take some time to interact with our historical landmarks and museums. The better we broadcast our history, the more people will be invested in our present and future.” To learn more about the Certified Read more

 

Read Rep. Rob Matzie's Winter 2026 Newsletter Online!

(Mar 03, 2026)

Read Rep. Rob Matzie's Winter 2026 Newsletter Online! Read more

 

Matzie applauds Zerfuss, PUC action on rail safety

(Feb 23, 2026)

“I applaud Commissioner Zerfuss and the PUC for taking the reins on rail safety, and I’m glad the commission plans to focus on some of the same reporting, oversight and equipment issues I call for in my rail safety legislation,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “With thousands of miles of rail running through our region and federal regulations falling short, time is of the essence. We can’t afford to wait for another East Palestine.” Read more

 

Matzie: PIAA board made ‘the right decision’ in moving Aliquippa Football to Class 3A for next two years

(Feb 19, 2026)

“I’ve just been informed that the PIAA Board has voted to move Aliquippa Football to Class 3A for the next two years. “While the specifics of the determination haven’t been released, I’m pleased the board made the right decision after several attempts pleading the case. “I have shared the opinion of the Aliquippa School District that decisions related to the competitive balance formula should use actual enrollment and view each transfer on a case-by-case basis rather than a one-size-fits-all approach." Read more

 

Matzie: More than $265,000 secured for Beaver County fire, EMS companies

(Feb 17, 2026)

AMBRIDGE, Feb. 17 – Fire and EMS companies in the 16 th Legislative District are on track to receive more than $265,200 in grant funding to help keep crews properly equipped and meet other department needs, state Rep. Rob Matzie announced today. Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus, said departments will be able to use the funds for items such as personal protective gear, firefighting equipment, fuel, facility repairs, training, recruitment and retention, and other needs. “Our fire and EMS departments face a constant challenge keeping crews outfitted and trained, equipment updated, and facilities maintained – all on the tightest budgets,” Matzie said. “The new funding should help ease some of those costs and get more resources into the hands of those who work 24/7 to protect us.” Matzie said the funding includes: Ambridge Borough Fire Department – $13,457. Ambridge Volunteer Fire Department – $14,488. Baden Volunteer Fire Department – $16,137. Center Township Fire House No. 2 – $13,251. Center Township Volunteer Fire Department Co. No. 1 – $14,900. Center Township Volunteer Fire Department No. 3 – $12,426. City of Aliquippa DBA Aliquippa Bureau of Fire – $14,488. Conway Volunteer Fire Department – $14,488. Economy Vol. Ambulance Service – $15,000. Economy Volunteer Firemens Association Read more

 

Matzie: $175,000 secured to support state-of-the-art track and field facility for Beaver County sporting events

(Feb 13, 2026)

“This is big news for the region,” Matzie said. “Having the ability to host championships and other spectator events will be a game-changer for Beaver County because it’s going to open doors to new entertainment and recreational opportunities – and along with those, new visitors, new economic activity and a greater boost for local businesses.” Read more

 

Matzie: More than $1.6 million secured for Community College of Beaver County improvements

(Feb 05, 2026)

“As a proud graduate, I can personally attest to how fortunate our community is to have this career and technical education powerhouse,” Matzie said. “I’m grateful for this new state investment, which will directly benefit our students, workers, and taxpayers.” Read more

 

Matzie, Mehaffie laud passage of bill to clear the way for construction of small modular nuclear reactors

(Feb 04, 2026)

“Having an ‘all-everything’ energy strategy strengthens our position as an energy powerhouse and helps us meet the increasing demand coming from cloud computing and AI,” said Matzie, D-Beaver, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus as well as a co-chair of the bipartisan, bicameral Nuclear Energy Caucus.“Nuclear is an important part of that strategy, and one that would bring new jobs, but the construction costs can be prohibitive. Small, modular reactors, which require less time and money to build, are an excellent solution, but the fees these reactors must pay the state to operate – which were developed with large, traditional reactors in mind – have proven to be an insurmountable obstacle. The new legislation would adjust the fees to remove those barriers.” Read more

 

PA House adopts Matzie resolutions on government transparency, Pennsylvania charter, multiple sclerosis

(Feb 04, 2026)

“The framers added freedom of speech and freedom of the press to the U.S. Constitution to ensure people have the power to openly question and challenge government actions and decisions and hold government accountable when it acts irresponsibly,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “People lose that power when actions and decisions are made behind closed doors." Read more

 

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed

(Feb 03, 2026)

“The governor’s address was a positive first step in the budget process,” said Matzie, who is chairman of the House Majority Caucus. “The proposed budget plan would deliver needed investments to our public schools, our workforce, and initiatives to make life more affordable for Beaver County residents – all without adding any new taxes." 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

 

Matzie: More than $90,000 awarded to improve food storage, reduce waste by food banks serving Beaver County

(Jan 30, 2026)

“Preventing food waste is a major challenge for our local food banks and pantries, but we can help them deal with the problem by ensuring that they have the infrastructure needed to safely store and transport perishable supplies,” Matzie said. “The new grants will help do that by funding refrigeration equipment, vehicles and other resources to ensure more food reaches families in need and fewer supplies end up going to waste.”  Read more

 

Matzie: More than $300,000 secured for Beaver County first responder resources

(Jan 21, 2026)

“Our district’s first responders are dedicated, talented, and fearless,” Matzie said. “They stand between our community and danger, and they ask nothing in return but to have the resources they need to do their lifesaving work. I was proud to help secure this funding so that our frontline heroes have the safe facilities they deserve and the equipment they need to respond when the next call comes in.” Read more

 

Matzie: More than $200K secured to fund compressed natural gas vehicles for Beaver County waste collection
Mar 27, 2026

Matzie: $225K secured for District 16 municipal planning, resources and equipment
Mar 27, 2026

Matzie Works to Protect Consumers from Data Centers Increasing Costs
Mar 27, 2026

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to improve rail safety
Mar 25, 2026

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

Pennsylvania House passes Matzie bill to protect utility consumers from data center-driven rate hikes
Mar 24, 2026

Matzie: Newly released study recommends changes to PIAA policies
Mar 24, 2026

Matzie: Historical grant funding secured for borough of Ambridge
Mar 23, 2026

Read Rep. Rob Matzie's Winter 2026 Newsletter Online!
Mar 03, 2026

Matzie applauds Zerfuss, PUC action on rail safety
Feb 23, 2026

Matzie: PIAA board made ‘the right decision’ in moving Aliquippa Football to Class 3A for next two years
Feb 19, 2026

Matzie: More than $265,000 secured for Beaver County fire, EMS companies
Feb 17, 2026

Matzie: $175,000 secured to support state-of-the-art track and field facility for Beaver County sporting events
Feb 13, 2026

Matzie: More than $1.6 million secured for Community College of Beaver County improvements
Feb 05, 2026

Matzie, Mehaffie laud passage of bill to clear the way for construction of small modular nuclear reactors
Feb 04, 2026

PA House adopts Matzie resolutions on government transparency, Pennsylvania charter, multiple sclerosis
Feb 04, 2026

Matzie: governor’s proposed budget would deliver dollars where they’re needed
Feb 03, 2026

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

Matzie: More than $90,000 awarded to improve food storage, reduce waste by food banks serving Beaver County
Jan 30, 2026

Matzie: More than $300,000 secured for Beaver County first responder resources
Jan 21, 2026