HARRISBURG – Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) released the following statement today after the governor vetoed legislation that would guarantee energy choice for all 13 million Pennsylvanians:
“Gov. Tom Wolf’s baffling veto marks a sad day for Pennsylvania. Energy choice is about giving the power to consumers to decide what’s best for them, especially when historic inflationary pressures and skyrocketing utility costs are already pushing many families to a breaking point.
Pennsylvania is second in the nation for natural gas production and half of our residents can’t access it. This state – yes, Pennsylvania – produces one third as much natural gas as the entire country of Russia. Unfortunately, the Wolf administration does not understand this or the relationship between energy, economy and environment. Most egregiously, this administration tells its citizens the government will make the energy choice for them. It is indeed a sad day for all of us.
Whether the governor likes it or not, our energy policies over the last two decades, especially surrounding natural gas development, have resulted in lower electricity costs for our residents. So, it should be their choice, not his, as to whether they heat their homes with a gas furnace or an electric heat pump.
Policies limiting the use of certain fuel sources only slows environmental progress and raises energy costs. This veto will hurt the most vulnerable among us the hardest at a time when they can least afford it.
CONTACT: Nick Troutman, 717-787-3280