Berks County News

Rep. Jamie Barton, along with Policy Committee Chairman David H. Rowe and other lawmakers, convened a hearing in Schuylkill County last Friday to discuss the implications of proposed energy policies on Pennsylvania's economy. The session, titled "Stopping New Energy Taxes," focused on how these policies might deter investment and impact both consumers and businesses within the state.

The hearing featured testimonies from key figures such as Robert Carl, president and CEO of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce; Keith Masser, chairman and CEO of Sterman Masser; Clayton Bubeck, president and CEO of Rettew; and Pastor Doug Cresswell from Faith Church.

Participants expressed concerns that energy policy proposals by Governor Josh Shapiro, including initiatives like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS), and Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Act (PACER), could drive potential investments away from Pennsylvania. They argued these policies may lead to higher utility costs and contribute to an unreliable energy supply.

Rep. Barton remarked, “We are lucky to live in a place with so much energy potential. Why would we penalize our energy producers rather than support them? The governor always talks about wanting to compete with other states, yet his administration proposes policies that hurt our Commonwealth in the very place where we can get a leg up. Now more than ever, we need reliable, low-cost energy. Let’s unlock our energy potential and stop stifling it.”

Chairman Rowe added his perspective on Pennsylvania's role in national energy production: “Throughout American history, Pennsylvania has been a leader in energy production. Our goals are to ensure that Pennsylvania remains an energy leader—one that prioritizes affordability, reliability, and economic growth—and to make it possible for every Pennsylvanian to achieve the American Dream,” he said. “Governor Shapiro is positioning us for failure at a time when we’re already falling to the bottom. We must stop him from implementing new energy taxes and exporting Pennsylvania’s heritage industries to Ohio.”

For those interested in viewing the full proceedings of the hearing, further information is available through Representative Jamie Barton's office.