Electricity prices are skyrocketing while utility companies rake in record profits — and Pennsylvanians are paying the price. I’m ready on day one to take on big energy corporations, stop unjustified rate hikes, and expand access to affordable renewable power.
We must increase our energy supply and protect consumers — that’s our pathway to lowering bills. We know our power grid is already being pushed to the limit by sweltering summers and increased consumer demand. Our aging infrastructure has yet to unlock the urgently-needed supply of cheaper, renewable energy resources. Enough.
While we must get to the heart of why prices will keep climbing due to our energy supply being unsustainable, consumer bills need to be lowered NOW.
As your State Representative, I’m ready on day one to go toe-to-toe with utility companies desperate to continue ripping off consumers — I’ll demand transparency and accountability from them as they continue to dramatically raise rates. I will:
● Spearhead advocacy for investigations into exploitation from energy companies and cosponsor legislation to stop rapid, indefensible rate hikes
● Push for increased funding and broader eligibility for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and partner programs
● Cosponsor legislation to make solar and renewable energy more accessible and affordable
I will also be a fierce advocate against the siting of AI data centers in our region which will raise residential electricity prices as they have done repeatedly elsewhere. I will also back legislation and executive actions that support residential energy efficiency to lower consumption — which will help lower our bills.
Until we truly advance renewable energy independence, the struggle against big energy corporations raising rates will ultimately continue. I’ll fight to lower bills in the long run by championing community solar legislation, expanding renewable energy projects, and demanding permanent oversight of our energy companies. I will support legislation that incentivizes renewable energy development, including reducing barriers to solar panel installation on residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Providing options for Pennsylvanians to sustainably generate our own electricity is our surest way to regulate rates and take charge of our energy destiny. Pennsylvania is a top energy producer — we should use our strength to generate affordable power and take control of our energy future, not stay dependent on expensive fossil fuels maintained by companies that are gouging residents for obscene profits.
Some of the bills I will support include:
● Rep. Schweyer’s HB 1155 to provide for community solar projects would be a critical step forward to empower Pennsylvania regional networks to build their own energy infrastructure in order to bring down costs. Last session the bill passed with bipartisan support in the House, but languished in the Senate. It’s time to send more fighters to Harrisburg for community solar.
● Rep. Abney’s HB 503 would establish the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction (PACER) Program that provides for a cap-and-trade market to put a price on carbon emissions and requires large emitters — including those out of state — to pay their share of their environmental damage and put that money back in the pockets of Pennsylvanians. The PACER program is expected to generate 15,000 energy jobs while producing $11.2 billion in direct investment in renewable and reliable energy resources.
● Former Rep. Siegel’s HB 1260 would require new warehouses to be solar ready and offers incentives for existing structures to go solar.
● Rep. Guzman’s HB 1792, the Residential Solar Energy Incentives Act, would provide a personal income tax credit (which could be carried forward up to three years), exempt solar equipment from sales and use tax, and protect homeowners from property tax increases resulting from the installation of solar energy systems, if a local ordinance is adopted for this provision. Rep. Hanbidge’s HB 1239 would prohibit any Homeowners Associations (HOAs) from barring their residents from installing solar panels.
● We must continue building on the Solar for Schools program, enacted as Act 68 of 2024 with a bill sponsored by Rep. Fiedler, and ensure it remains part of and grows within our state budget. We can also expand the support for our local governments making the energy transition to lower their costs by backing Rep. Merski’s HB 272, providing for a Municipal and Emergency Responder Solar Grant Program. While the federal government has now rescinded the money marked for a Pennsylvania Solar for All program, which would have been effectuated by Rep. Fiedler’s HB 362, the premise of opening the doors to Pennsylvanians to install solar projects for low-income residents across our state should be advanced.
These are the types of bills I will fight for in the PA House. As an environmental attorney, and as a former assistant counsel for our state’s Department of Environmental Protection, I am uniquely positioned to become one of our strongest champions in lowering utility costs through expanding renewable energy development in PA. We must plan for the future of Pennsylvania and ensure our residents maintain their quality of life.
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About Jason Landau Goodman
Jason is a fourth generation resident of Lower Merion running to become the next State Representative for the 148th House District. Jason is an attorney in Montgomery County and a lifelong advocate for civil rights, education, and the environment.
landaugoodman.com