The PA Chamber last week weighed in on proposed legislation to accelerate Pennsylvania’s approval of new energy projects, calling it an important step to improve grid reliability and restore the state’s competitive edge.
House Bill 502, introduced by Rep. Mandy Steele (D-Allegheny), would establish the Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition (RESET) Board to issue permits for new power generation facilities. The board would be required to act on applications within 90 days, aiming to reduce delays that frequently stall infrastructure projects in Pennsylvania.
In written testimony submitted to the House Energy Committee, PA Chamber Director of Government Affairs Amy Brinton emphasized that modernizing Pennsylvania’s regulatory approach is essential to attracting investment and meeting future energy demand.
“Streamlining the permitting process is not simply a procedural concern, it is a foundational issue for Pennsylvania’s long-term economic competitiveness,” Brinton said. “Businesses looking to invest in energy infrastructure or expand operations… require confidence that their energy needs can be met reliably and on time.”
Despite Pennsylvania’s abundant resources and status as the nation’s top electricity exporter and second-largest natural gas producer, the state has seen virtually no new baseload generation projects advance since 2019. The Chamber cited tax climate, regulatory uncertainty, and fragmented permitting processes as key obstacles to growth.
House Bill 502, part of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s broader “Lightning Plan” energy package, is designed to address those barriers. In her testimony, Brinton praised recent permitting improvement initiatives such as the SPEED and Fast Track programs, but said additional steps like the RESET Board are necessary to send a clear signal to investors that Pennsylvania is open for energy development.
“The delays and lack of coordination between agencies often result in stalled projects, increased costs, and lost investment,” Brinton noted. “Without action, Pennsylvania risks falling behind as companies make location decisions based on regulatory efficiency and energy availability.”
The Chamber also offered specific recommendations to strengthen the bill. Brinton urged lawmakers to consider housing the RESET Board within the Department of Community and Economic Development, rather than the Department of Environmental Protection, to align more closely with infrastructure investment priorities. She also raised concerns about board appointments that could introduce policy overlap or delay decision-making.
“We support the bill’s goal of streamlining the approval process for critical energy infrastructure and recognize its potential to enhance the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness, support job creation, and ensure a more reliable and resilient power grid,” Brinton said.
You can read Brinton’s full testimony here.