Southwest PA News

Mar. 18, 2024 - Pennsylvania House Republican Leadership held a press conference Monday to criticize Gov. Josh Shapiro’s energy plan, labeling it as another burden on the state's families and businesses.

House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster) expressed readiness for a conversation on leveraging energy resources for competitiveness, stating, "If Gov. Shapiro really wants to have a conversation about getting stuff done and no longer losing out to Ohio, we are ready to have a conversation about how we can leverage our energy resources into making Pennsylvania a more competitive state." Cutler also emphasized that the conversation should not include plans that increase energy costs for Pennsylvanians.

House Republican Whip Tim O’Neal (R-Washington) condemned Shapiro's energy plan as a tax on utility bills, criticizing it as part of a left-wing environmental agenda that does not serve Pennsylvania's best interests. O’Neal remarked, "This is just another example of the failed tax and spend policies directly contributing to rising costs and out-of-control inflation. Once again, it seems like the governor is more interested in appealing to voters in California than making life better for the people of Pennsylvania."

House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) echoed the sentiment, stating, "The governor’s energy plan is anything but common sense. It will hurt jobs, wallets, and the environment. Every Pennsylvanian is facing costly utility bills."

The House Republican leaders emphasized their commitment to helping constituents balance budgets and manage utility costs amidst concerns over the impact of Shapiro's energy plan on Pennsylvania's economy and residents.