Pennsylvania lawmakers push pro-fossil fuel bills, citing Russia’s war and need for energy security

Rachel McDevitt

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I report on energy and the environment for StateImpact Pennsylvania at WITF.

My work focuses on responses and solutions to climate change in the state legislature and communities around the state. I trace my interest in these issues back to my time as a Girl Scout and this episode of Rocko’s Modern Life.

I look forward to winter just for the chance to ski a few times each season. I try to keep myself from doom-scrolling on my phone by keeping my hands busy knitting and learning to play the piano.

I grew up in Cambria County, Pa. and graduated from Temple University. I started at WITF just after Christmas in 2014.

Marie Cusick / StateImpact Pennsylvania

A gas rig in the Tiadaghton State Forest.

March 29, 2022 | 8:31 AM

Lawmakers in the state House are advancing a slate of bills aimed at boosting the natural gas industry under the claim of energy security.

Supporters repeatedly brought up the energy situation in Europe caused by Russia’s war with Ukraine, though many of the issues the bills would address have lingered in the legislature for years.

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee passed legislation Monday to allow more gas drilling in state forests, explore a liquefied natural gas export terminal in Philadelphia, and urge leaders of other states to allow new pipelines to carry Pennsylvania gas into their states.

One bill would prohibit a regional oversight commission from making policy that would hinder gas development in the Delaware River Basin–a response to an earlier decision from that body to ban fracking in the watershed.

Rep. Joshua Kail (R-Beaver) said the country should reduce any dependence on foreign fuels and manufacturing. He said bad energy policy has serious consequences – like what he says has played out in Ukraine over the last several weeks.

“Vladimir Putin can’t attack Ukraine without his war machine, he can’t fund his war machine without high gas prices, he doesn’t have high gas prices without bad energy policy,” Kail said.

Opponents argue the state shouldn’t use the situation in Europe as an excuse to ignore the climate crisis.

“This resolution makes reference to the Ukraine crisis, which will end at some point, but the climate crisis will not end, has not ended, will continue,” said Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware).

Scientists say there is limited time left to cut emissions to a point that will keep global warming below catastrophic levels. Pennsylvania expects to see more intense storms and more frequent flash floods as the climate changes.

The committee also passed a Senate bill that would keep the state out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a cap-and-trade program that aims to reduce emissions from power plants.

The regulation has been tied up in a legal fight.

The committee-passed legislation now goes to the full House for consideration.