After a delay of more than four months, Governor Josh Shapiro has signed Pennsylvania’s $50.09 billion state budget into law, officially concluding the long budget impasse. The main appropriations bill, Senate Bill 160, passed with broad bipartisan support — 40-9 in the Senate and 156-47 in the House — and does not rely on any new revenue sources or transfers from the state’s Rainy-Day Fund.

Key Budget Highlights for PIOGA Members

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Funding

• $31.9 million (+6%) for General Government Operations

• $45.4 million (+7%) for Environmental Program Management

• $5.8 million (+59.7%) for Chesapeake Bay Agricultural Source Abatement

• $134.6 million (+7%) for Environmental Protection Operations

 

Legislative and Policy Provisions of Interest

House Bill 416 (Fiscal Code) – Implements provisions of the state budget and includes several policy measures important to the energy sector:

• Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Regulation Abrogation – Officially repeals Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, a major policy priority for legislative Republicans and the energy industry.

• Permitting Reform – Expands the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program to include additional permit types, sets firm timelines for “deemed approved” permits, and establishes a statewide permit tracking system.

• Electricity Load Forecast Accountability – Grants the Public Utility Commission (PUC) authority to review and investigate data and methodologies used by utilities in PJM load forecasting.

• Solar for All – Directs that any federal “Solar for All” funds be administered by the Commonwealth Financing Authority consistent with federal guidelines.

“After 135 days, Pennsylvania’s leaders came together in a bipartisan way to pass a state budget that includes meaningful reforms to keep Pennsylvania the keystone of America’s energy independence. While challenges remain, this is a vital step toward ensuring our state stays open for business and continues to lead in meeting the world’s energy needs.” — Dan Weaver, PIOGA President and Executive Director

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