State of Pennsylvania secondary Archives: on Energy & Oil
Bob Casey:
Regulate greenhouse gases; join Paris Climate Accord
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat?Lou Barletta (R): No. "Climate science seems to not be settled." "We are . in a cooling trend."
Bob Casey (D): Yes.
Q: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases? Support US participation in
Paris Climate Accord despite President Trump's withdrawal?
Lou Barletta (R): No: Voted to bar EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. Opposes US participation in Paris Climate Accord & supported Trump's withdrawal from it.
Bob Casey (D): Yes to regulating greenhouse gases. Supports US participation in Paris Climate Accord & opposed Trump's withdrawal from it.
Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?
Lou Barletta (R): No.
Bob Casey (D): Yes.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Pennsylvania Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Brendan Boyle:
Weaning ourselves off of foreign oil; promote alternatives
Climate change is real. I stood beside leading climate change experts to call for a comprehensive plan to finally tackle this crucial challenge that affects us all.We must begin the process of weaning ourselves as a nation off of foreign oil--not
just for the sake of the environment but also for our pocketbooks. Gas prices are hitting working families squarely on the chin. I will continue to fight to promote alternative energy sources that reduce pollution and create American jobs.
Source: 2014 Pennsylvania House campaign website, VoteBoyle.com
Oct 10, 2014
Brendan Boyle:
Coal plants are vital to the Commonwealth
Legislative Summary: Pennsylvania Greenhouse Gas Regulation Implementation Act: Requiring approval from the General Assembly for a State plan to regulate carbon dioxide emissions for existing stationary sources.Legislative text
replaced: Reasonably-priced reliable sources including coal-fired electric generation power plants strengthen are vital to public interest. The premature deactivation or retirement of coal-fired electric generation, due to EPA regulations,
negatively affects our economy, environment, and electric reliability.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This legislation slows green energy implementation. However, the previous law had strong pro-coal language, which the new version removes. On
balance, we consider this bill a step backward from green energy.
Legislative Outcome: Rep. Boyle voted NAY; passed House 144-59-0 on July 1; passed Senate 31-17-2 on Oct. 15; signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on Oct. 22
Source: Pennsylvania Legislative voting records on HB 2354
Jul 1, 2014
Carla Sands:
Base energy policy on open markets and competition
U.S. energy policy should reflect the economic, environmental, and national security benefits of open markets and competition. Regrettably, recent actions by the Biden administration are taking the opposite approach. Keep-it-in-the-ground policies
like canceling the Keystone XL pipeline or banning new lease sales for oil and gas on federal lands won't meaningfully change the demand for oil and gas.
Source: 2021 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website CarlaSands.com
Oct 20, 2021
David McCormick:
Needn't choose between clean environment & affordable energy
Pennsylvania is the second largest energy producer in the U.S., one of the top ten producers globally, and if it were a country, it would have the 4th largest natural gas reserves in the world. At the same time, the Commonwealth has been a leader in
reducing emissions. We don't need to choose between a clean environment and affordable energy. Pennsylvania is proof we can have both.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign web DaveMcCormickPA.com
May 22, 2022
Doug Mastriano:
Encourage investment into the natural gas and coal industry
REVIVE THE ECONOMY: ENERGY- Protect utility costs by immediately withdrawing from Tom Wolf's "Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative"
- Encourage investment into the natural gas and coal industry
- Expand exploration and
technology in the Marcellus Shale region
- Lift Tom Wolf's regulations, taxes and fees and expand into drilling/mining
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Governor campaign website doug4gov.com
May 18, 2022
Dwight Evans:
Coal plants are vital to the Commonwealth
Legislative Summary: Pennsylvania Greenhouse Gas Regulation Implementation Act: Requiring approval from the General Assembly for a State plan to regulate carbon dioxide emissions for existing stationary sources.Legislative text
replaced: Reasonably-priced reliable sources including coal-fired electric generation power plants strengthen are vital to public interest. The premature deactivation or retirement of coal-fired electric generation, due to EPA regulations,
negatively affects our economy, environment, and electric reliability.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This legislation slows green energy implementation. However, the previous law had strong pro-coal language, which the new version removes. On
balance, we consider this bill a step backward from green energy.
Legislative Outcome:Rep. Evans voted NAY; passed House 144-59-0 on July 1; passed Senate 31-17-2 on Oct. 15; signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on Oct. 22
Source: Pennsylvania Legislative voting records on HB 2354
Jul 1, 2014
Ed Rendell:
18% of retail electricity from clean and renewable resources
Pennsylvania is a national leader in the field of alternative energy. Six years ago, we passed an Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, requiring that 18% of all retail electricity sold in Pennsylvania had to be from clean and renewable resources. Since
then, we doubled the amount of wind power operating. By this December we will be among the top five states generating solar power and we now have more than 300 solar component companies in the state. All told, we have invested nearly a billion dollars in
alternative energy and fuel projects creating jobs in every corner of this state. And our funds have been matched by more than $3 billion in private investment. Due to our efforts, Pennsylvania was ranked third in the nation for green job creation. But
other states have enacted higher standards that will make them more attractive for future investment. It's not just about energy, it's about jobs, and we must protect these opportunities by raising our alternative energy requirements as soon as possible.
Source: Pennsylvania 2010 State of the State Address
Feb 9, 2010
Ed Rendell:
Focus on win-win efforts: stem global warming & create jobs
Given the diverse make-up of the Climate Change Advisory Group, it's astonishing that 90 percent of the recommendations were unanimously adopted. Many of the Group's recommendations advance our efforts to stem global warming and create jobs.
Let's focus on those that are "win-win" for the planet and our people. We may not agree on everything, but this is something we can do together, and I urge you to pass the legislation to put these recommendations into action this year.
Source: Pennsylvania 2010 State of the State Address
Feb 9, 2010
Everett Stern:
Changing technology is opportunity to replace infrastructure
The changes in climate and extreme weather events over the past decades are challenges faced by States across the country. They are also opportunities to create new businesses and invest in new technologies and infrastructure, such as wind turbines,
solar panels, 5G, electric vehicles, and other new industries This will reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and by extension overseas military involvement. Much of our infrastructure is based on inefficient, outdated systems of creation and delivery.
Source: 2021 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website EverettStern.com
Jun 20, 2021
Fred Keller:
Establish process to replace coal plants with green energy
Legislative Summary: Pennsylvania Greenhouse Gas Regulation Implementation Act: Requiring approval from the General Assembly for a State plan to regulate carbon dioxide emissions for existing stationary sources. Legislative text
replaced: Reasonably-priced reliable sources including coal-fired electric generation power plants strengthen are vital to public interest. The premature deactivation or retirement of coal-fired electric generation, due to EPA regulations,
negatively affects our economy, environment, and electric reliability.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This legislation slows green energy implementation. However, the previous law had strong pro-coal language, which the new version removes.
On balance, we consider this bill a step backward from green energy.
Legislative Outcome: Rep. Keller voted YEA; passed House 144-59-0 on July 1; passed Senate 31-17-2 on Oct. 15; signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on Oct. 22
Source: Pennsylvania legislative voting records: HB 2354
Oct 22, 2014
Ken Krawchuk:
I support green energy
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Prioritize green energy"?
A: I support green energy. Not sure what "prioritize" means.
Source: OnTheIssues interview: 2018 Pennsylvania Governor candidate
May 18, 2018
Jeff Bartos:
Natural gas is bounty God has given us here in Pennsylvania
Oil and gas industry--"It is cruel and inhumane to tell women and men you can't make a living with the bounty God has given us here in Pennsylvania.
It's not only a jobs issue; it's a national security issue," Bartos said of the natural gas industry.
Source: Westfield Free Press-Courier: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jul 29, 2021
Jeff Bartos:
Natural gas is key to future of Pennsylvania's economy
- Democrats are also waging a war on the energy industry and American energy independence.
- Pennsylvania's natural resources are America's gateway to sustained energy independence.
- The future of Pennsylvania's economy is dependent on
harnessing our God-given bounty of natural gas to power our commonwealth. We need to embrace the bounty of natural resources we were granted, invest in pipeline infrastructure, and establish ourselves as a national leader in the energy industry.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website JeffBartos.com
Jul 19, 2021
Jim Christiana:
Cut spending, cut taxes
Reprioritizing spending, consolidating government programs and no broad-based tax increases sounds like the start of a state budget I could get behind. The spending increases the governor proposed cannot be fulfilled with our current revenue outlook
and would require tax increases of some kind. We must focus on finding innovative ways to deliver services, reduce spending and address the cost drivers that already take way too much money out of our taxpayers' hard-earned paychecks.
Source: Comments on 2017 Pennsylvania State of the State speech
Jul 2, 2017
Jim Christiana:
Tax credits for oil means jobs
In the 2011-12 legislative session, Jim introduced historic legislation aimed at securing a multi-billion dollar petrochemical plant in western Pennsylvania.
His efforts led to Shell's decision to build the first petrochemical plant in the northeast portion of the United States in Beaver County, bringing with it more than 7,500 new jobs.
Jim's legislation, the Pennsylvania Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit, provides earned incentives to any company that builds a petrochemical plant in the Commonwealth.
This tax credit helped spur economic revitalization and long-term job growth in western Pennsylvania and across the state.
Source: 2018 Pennsylvania Senatorial website RepChristiana.com
Jul 2, 2017
John Fetterman:
Encourage clean energy policies
During the last 10 years as mayor, John encouraged clean energy policies to create new jobs and put folks in Braddock back to work. He's applied a hands-on approach from
AmeriCorps and his service experience with to take steps towards progress and rebuild this community, creating jobs, getting youth engaged, and bringing creative urban policy solutions to Braddock.
Source: 2016 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website JohnFetterman.com
Sep 22, 2015
John Fetterman:
Fracking acceptable if it brings thousands of jobs
Fetterman's rise hasn't been without some pushback. He's a self-proclaimed progressive, but those on the left haven't always been so sure of him.Fetterman made clear that his positions on the environment are outweighed by
his desire to bring work to his town, a trade-off he said Democrats have to make to protect the working class. He defended supporting a fracking proposal in his own town for that reason.
"We're Democrats. We are supposed to look after working-class families," he said. "If the steel mill that wants to do this goes under, that's 3,000 jobs lost. All they need to do is drill two wells."
The position didn't stop Sanders from supporting him, however, chalking it up to a difference of opinion. And it's clear Fetterman has been pegged as the progressive politician who can get elected.
Source: Vox.com on 2018 Pennsylvania gubernatorial race
May 16, 2018
John Fetterman:
Can't ban fracking immediately, have to be honest
Says Fetterman, "I have a position on fracking, that I clearly articulated, that Democrats must confront and be honest about energy and Republicans must confront and be honest about the environment." If the practice was banned immediately, "Well,
where does 40% of our energy come from?" he asks. "Now I would love all of that to come from wind and solar and renewables, but the reality is that's not a switch you can flip and change overnight," says Fetterman.
Source: NEXTPittsburgh.com on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Jan 14, 2021
Kathy Barnette:
Green New Deal will put millions of people out of work
Cheap + Plentiful + Reliable energy is a life and death issue. We cannot afford to "reimagine" our economy with a
Green New Deal that will put millions of people out of work and make tens of millions of people poorer.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate website BarnetteForSenate.com
Feb 16, 2022
Katie McGinty:
No fracking COMPANY donations; but some from fracking execs
The fight on fracking resurrected a clash from early in the race, when McGinty said she had received no campaign contributions from the oil or gas industries. She has taken some donations from executives either at oil & gas companies or in closely relate
businesses, such as pipelines--but she has said no money has come directly from oil or gas firms or their political arms. "I do not have a penny from an oil company, a gas company," she said, while noting several endorsements from environmental advocates
McGinty has worked in key environmental protection jobs throughout her career, as well as privately in the energy industry."Stop splitting hairs," Fetterman fired back, saying her oil and gas donations run into the six figures--citing a broad range of
contributions from law firms, lobbyists, and many others, some with only loose ties to oil and gas. One donation he cites is from a lawyer who opposes fracking. McGinty argued that Fetterman, by his broad standard, has accepted similar donations.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate debate
Apr 6, 2016
Katie McGinty:
Corn ethanol as renewable fuel can replace some fossil fuels
Toomey says the use of corn ethanol is an economic harm to Pennsylvania, provides no environmental benefit and is "another example of how Katie McGinty loves to pick these corporate welfare programs that enrich a handful of huge agribusiness companies
at the cost of average families and consumers and workers," Toomey told reporters.McGinty, a long-time clean-energy advocate who served as a top environmental policy adviser to former Gov. Ed Rendell and former
President Bill Clinton, supports the use of corn ethanol as a renewable fuel that can replace the need for some fossil fuels, according to her campaign.
A 2007 federal law requires companies to blend billions of gallons of ethanol into their gasoline.
But it has come under scrutiny as to whether it reduces pollution and the Environmental Protection Agency is expected to produce a report on the impacts of biofuels by December 2017.
Source: The Morning Call on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate debate
Sep 12, 2016
Lloyd Smucker:
State process to replace coal plants with green energy
Legislative Summary: Pennsylvania Greenhouse Gas Regulation Implementation Act: Requiring approval from the General Assembly for a State plan to regulate carbon dioxide emissions for existing stationary sources.Legislative text
replaced: Reasonably-priced reliable sources including coal-fired electric generation power plants strengthen are vital to public interest. The premature deactivation or retirement of coal-fired electric generation, due to EPA regulations,
negatively affects our economy, environment, and electric reliability.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This legislation slows green energy implementation. However, the previous law had strong pro-coal language, which the new version removes. On
balance, we consider this bill a step backward from green energy.
Legislative Outcome:Sen. Evans voted YES; passed House 144-59-0 on July 1; passed Senate 31-17-2 on Oct. 15; signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on Oct. 22
Source: Pennsylvania Legislative voting records on HB 2354
Jul 1, 2014
Lou Barletta:
Use coal, nuclear, natural gas; consider alternatives
Congress must adopt policies that make the United States less dependent on foreign oil, allow for the responsible exploration of domestic sources of energy, and rein in federal overregulation.
In Pennsylvania, there are large deposits of coal and natural gas. We also must consider alternative sources of energy such as solar and wind, and make greater use of nuclear power.
Source: 2018 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial website LouBarletta.com
Lou Barletta:
Energy regulations cost jobs
The House has passed more than 350 pieces of legislation that have yet to receive a vote in the Senate. Dozens of them are designed to grow the economy and create jobs. Congressman Barletta has supported almost all of them, including H.R. 2641, which wou
Source: 2018 Pennsylvania Gubernatorial website LouBarletta.com
Lou Barletta:
Don't regulate greenhouse gases; we're in a cooling trend
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat?Lou Barletta (R): No. "Climate science seems to not be settled." "We are . in a cooling trend."
Bob Casey (D): Yes.
Q: Limit or tax production of greenhouse gases? Support US participation in
Paris Climate Accord despite President Trump's withdrawal?
Lou Barletta (R): No: Voted to bar EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. Opposes US participation in Paris Climate Accord & supported Trump's withdrawal from it.
Bob Casey (D): Yes to regulating greenhouse gases. Supports US participation in Paris Climate Accord & opposed Trump's withdrawal from it.
Q: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?
Lou Barletta (R): No.
Bob Casey (D): Yes.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Pennsylvania Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Madeleine Dean:
Federal process to replace coal plants with green energy
Legislative Summary: Pennsylvania Greenhouse Gas Regulation Implementation Act: Requiring approval from the General Assembly for a State plan to regulate carbon dioxide emissions for existing stationary sources.Legislative text
replaced: Reasonably-priced reliable sources including coal-fired electric generation power plants strengthen are vital to public interest. The premature deactivation or retirement of coal-fired electric generation, due to EPA regulations,
negatively affects our economy, environment, and electric reliability.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This legislation slows green energy implementation. However, the previous law had strong pro-coal language, which the new version removes. On
balance, we consider this bill a step backward from green energy.
Legislative Outcome:Rep. Dean voted NAY; passed House 144-59-0 on July 1; passed Senate 31-17-2 on Oct. 15; signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on Oct. 22
Source: Pennsylvania Legislative voting records on HB 2354
Jul 1, 2014
Malcolm Kenyatta:
Renewable energy will be a step forward for our economy
Malcolm believes that making the change to renewable energy is not only vital to keeping our air and water clean but a step forward for our economy that will produce good-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians.
Every community deserves access to clean air and water, and we must hold those to account who contribute to the pollution of our land, air, and waterways.
Source: 2021 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website MalcolmForPA.com
Mar 4, 2021
Mehmet Oz:
I believe in energy independence, don't beg other countries
I believe in energy independence. That's a big deal here in Pennsylvania, but we don't as a nation want to be begging other countries
like we're starting to do to change what they're doing with energy because, you know, we're in hock.
Source: FOX News Hannity on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Nov 30, 2021
Mehmet Oz:
Supports fracking, will make us safer and create jobs
Dr. Mehmet Oz pushed back. "The ground under Pennsylvania and surrounding states has almost as much natural gas as Saudi Arabia that is readily accessible through fracking. We should be using this to make our nation safer, create jobs, and
less dependent on China. As the Senator for Pennsylvania, I will fight against any effort to destroy Pennsylvania's energy leadership and the jobs it supports."
Source: Inside Sources blog on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Dec 6, 2021
Pat Toomey:
Corn ethanol is corporate welfare that hurts oil refineries
Toomey highlighted the financial struggles at a Philadelphia-area oil refinery, Philadelphia Energy Solutions, and the role played by ethanol blending costs. The use of corn ethanol is an economic harm to Pennsylvania, provides no environmental benefit
and is "another example of how Katie McGinty loves to pick these corporate welfare programs that enrich a handful of huge agribusiness companies at the cost of average families and consumers and workers," Toomey told reporters.
McGinty supports the use of corn ethanol as a renewable fuel that can replace the need for some fossil fuels, according to her campaign. A 2007 federal law requires companies to blend billions of gallons of ethanol into their gasoline.
Toomey has co-sponsored legislation that would kill the fuel-blending requirement that is typically satisfied by corn ethanol, but leave intact a separate requirement for refiners to blend in different renewable additives, albeit at smaller amounts.
Source: The Morning Call on 2016 Pennsylvania Senate debate
Sep 12, 2016
Rick Saccone:
No extraction tax on the Marcellus Shale gas
There is a renewed effort by "tax-everything" proponents and their ilk to offer an extraction tax on the Marcellus Shale gas industry as a panacea to the budget shortfall we are experiencing in Pennsylvania. Fortunately for the economic future of
Pennsylvania, cooler heads have so far prevailed.The extraction tax is one of the most demagogued and misunderstood issues facing the Legislature today. Most citizens don't realize the industry is already taxed in the form of an impact fee.
That fee generates over $200 million in revenue each year and growing. Additionally, the industry paid $1.4 billion in state taxes and fees in fiscal year 2012.
Though some people think additional taxation makes sense, it actually would be a
job-killing economic policy. Proponents cling to it because it is their default solution for just about every revenue shortfall. Citizens are deluged with misinformation ignoring how much this industry contributes to the economy.
Source: 2018 Pennsylvania Senate race website, RepSaccone.com
Jun 19, 2014
Rick Saccone:
EPA's tyranny hurts coal jobs
The EPA regulations have struck a major blow to all coal companies. We have worked hard to enhance the air quality in the region and it has improved exponentially. The new EPA regulations however, won't result in a
measurable difference in air quality. This creates a reality in which the EPA is forcing Americans out of work with nothing to show in return. It's agenda is inconsistent with that of the people and its time we stand up to the tyranny of the EPA.
Source: 2018 Pennsylvania Senatorial website RickSaccone.com
Oct 15, 2017
Scott Wagner:
Establish process to replace coal plants with green energy
Legislative Summary: Pennsylvania Greenhouse Gas Regulation Implementation Act: Requiring approval from the General Assembly for a State plan to regulate carbon dioxide emissions for existing stationary sources.Legislative text
replaced: Reasonably-priced reliable sources including coal-fired electric generation power plants strengthen are vital to public interest. The premature deactivation or retirement of coal-fired electric generation, due to EPA regulations,
negatively affects our economy, environment, and electric reliability.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This legislation slows green energy implementation. However, the previous law had strong pro-coal language, which the new version removes. On
balance, we consider this bill a step backward from green energy.
Legislative Outcome: Sen. Wagner voted YEA; passed House 144-59-0 on July 1; passed Senate 31-17-2 on Oct. 15; signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on Oct. 22
Source: Pennsylvania Legislative voting records on HB 2354
Oct 15, 2014
Scott Wagner:
Planet moving closer to sun is cause of global warming
Q: Consider climate change a serious threat?Scott Wagner (R): No. Earlier suggested heat from human bodies & planet moving closer to the sun were causes of global warming. Recently acknowledged human impact.
Tom Wolf (D):
Yes. "The science of climate change is settled. Reduce Pennsylvania's carbon emissions. by promoting a cleaner energy mix."
Q: Support government limits on greenhouse gases? Support participation in
US Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to climate change action.
Scott Wagner (R): No. Opposes regulatory overregulation. Government should also pare down regulations on natural gas drilling industry.
Tom Wolf (D): Supports limiting greenhouse gases, but hasn't joined Climate Alliance. Says PA is on target to exceed the Paris climate agreement without joining the Alliance.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide: Pennsylvania Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Scott Wagner:
Let market decide renewables & clean energy
Q: Renewable Energy: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?Scott Wagner (R): No. Does not support subsidizing renewables or clean energy. Need to let market decide.
Tom Wolf (D):
Yes. Has supported loans & grants for solar energy. Also financing mechanism for low-cost funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, & water conservation upgrades to commercial properties.
Q: Support severance tax on oil & gas extraction?
Scott Wagner (R): No. Would drive drillers to other states.
Tom Wolf (D): Yes. Only gas-producing state that doesn't have this kind of tax, though drillers do pay comparable impact fee. Would raise $250 million in first year.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide: Pennsylvania Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Sharif Street:
Put Pennsylvania on track to 100% renewable energy by 2050
Moving to fully renewable energy is important to the health of our planet, but we cannot do it without a responsible plan. Sharif supports legislation which will put Pennsylvania on a track to using 100% renewable energy by 2050.
This legislation would bring necessary change--creating jobs, establishing clean-air standards, and giving academic institutions the opportunity to advance new fields of technology--gradually over an acceptable period of time.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website StreetForPA.com
Jun 27, 2022
Tom Corbett:
Under Marcellus Shale is another bonanza, the Utica Shale
The Marcellus is a resource, a source of potential wealth, the foundation of a new economy. For every pipe running a mile underground we should have jobs at distribution centers, at refineries, at shipping ports, and the offices & companies that run them
What Pennsylvanians will gain is the jobs, the spinoffs, and if we don't scare off these industries with new taxes, the follow-up that comes along.You see underneath the Marcellus Shale is another bonanza. It's called the Utica Shale. And where
Source: 2011 State of the State speech to Pennsylvania legislature
Mar 8, 2011
Tom Corbett:
Under Marcellus Shale is another bonanza, the Utica Shale
The Marcellus is a resource, a source of potential wealth, the foundation of a new economy. For every pipe running a mile underground we should have jobs at distribution centers, at refineries, at shipping ports, and the offices & companies that run them
What Pennsylvanians will gain is the jobs, the spinoffs, and if we don't scare off these industries with new taxes, the follow-up that comes along.You see underneath the Marcellus Shale is another bonanza. It's called the Utica Shale. And where
Marcellus promises 50 years of energy the Utica promises riches going into the next century. Let's make Pennsylvania the hub of this boom. Let's make Pennsylvania the Texas of the natural gas boom. I'm determined that Pennsylvania not lose this moment.
We have the chance to grow our way out of hard days. We can build around this new industry and we can make certain we do this while protecting our lands, our drinking water, our air, and our communities, all the while growing our workforce.
Source: 2011 State of the State speech to Pennsylvania legislature
Mar 8, 2011
Tom Corbett:
Help three refineries survive by owners & unions cooperating
In the southeast, three refineries survived almost certain closure when their owners, and most of the industry, had given up on them. But we didn't give up. Working in a true bipartisan effort that is all too rare today,
I joined with elected leaders, with business leaders and with union leaders to find new owners and a new future for those refineries.We were able to show new investors the skill, work ethic and limitless potential of the Pennsylvania worker.
And we were able to share with those new investors the vision of Pennsylvania's energy future as a world leader. Today, those refineries still employ thousands and support thousands of more jobs, from the truckers who
drive in and out with deliveries, to the lunch counters and small shops that will continue to thrive in the shadow of those plants.
Source: 2013 State of the State speech to Pennsylvania Legislature
Feb 5, 2013
Tom Corbett:
Establish process to replace coal plants with green energy
Legislative Summary: Pennsylvania Greenhouse Gas Regulation Implementation Act: Requiring approval from the General Assembly for a State plan to regulate carbon dioxide emissions for existing stationary sources.Legislative text
replaced: Reasonably-priced reliable sources including coal-fired electric generation power plants strengthen are vital to public interest. The premature deactivation or retirement of coal-fired electric generation, due to EPA regulations,
negatively affects our economy, environment, and electric reliability.
OnTheIssues Analysis: This legislation slows green energy implementation. However, the previous law had strong pro-coal language, which the new version removes. On
balance, we consider this bill a step backward from green energy.
Legislative Outcome:Passed House 144-59-0 on July 1; passed Senate 31-17-2 on Oct. 15; signed by Gov. Tom Corbett on Oct. 22
Source: Pennsylvania Legislative voting records on HB 2354
Oct 22, 2014
Tom Wolf:
Moratorium on gas drilling in state parks and state forests
All four Democratic candidates would oppose a broad moratorium on natural gas drilling, support a moratorium on drilling in state parks and state forests and in the Delaware River Basin, and oppose reducing local governments' zoning authority over
drilling activity. They would also seek to require exploration companies to publicly disclose chemicals used in fracking. In addition, McCord would seek a ban on the use of open wastewater pits and the waterway discharge of drilling wastewater.
Source: The Patriot News on 2014 Pennsylvania governor debate
May 10, 2014
Tom Wolf:
Severance tax on natural gas is common sense
Pennsylvania is one of the few states fortunate enough to have abundant natural gas resources. And yet we are the only one of those states without a severance tax. And let's understand exactly what a severance tax is.
It's a tax paid by people mostly outside of Pennsylvania to use our natural resources. And by failing to put in place this commonsense tax, we're actually just paying other states' taxes.
Source: 2018 Pennsylvania State of the State address
Feb 6, 2018
Tom Wolf:
PA is on target to exceed the Paris Accord on GHGs
Q: Consider climate change a serious threat?Scott Wagner (R): No. Earlier suggested heat from human bodies & planet moving closer to the sun were causes of global warming. Recently acknowledged human impact.
Tom Wolf (D):
Yes. "The science of climate change is settled. Reduce Pennsylvania's carbon emissions. by promoting a cleaner energy mix."
Q: Support government limits on greenhouse gases? Support participation in
US Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to climate change action.
Scott Wagner (R): No. Opposes regulatory overregulation. Government should also pare down regulations on natural gas drilling industry.
Tom Wolf (D): Supports limiting greenhouse gases, but hasn't joined Climate Alliance. Says PA is on target to exceed the Paris climate agreement without joining the Alliance.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide: Pennsylvania Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Tom Wolf:
Supports loans & grants for solar energy
Q: Renewable Energy: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?Scott Wagner (R): No. Does not support subsidizing renewables or clean energy. Need to let market decide.
Tom Wolf (D):
Yes. Has supported loans & grants for solar energy. Also financing mechanism for low-cost funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, & water conservation upgrades to commercial properties.
Q: Support severance tax on oil & gas extraction?
Scott Wagner (R): No. Would drive drillers to other states.
Tom Wolf (D): Yes. Only gas-producing state that doesn't have this kind of tax, though drillers do pay comparable impact fee. Would raise $250 million in first year.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide: Pennsylvania Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Val Arkoosh:
Supports federal efforts to ban fracking nationwide
Val will support federal efforts to ban fracking nationwide and hold polluters accountable to protect workers, homeowners, and our air and water. We ought to be investing in clean, sustainable energy. By investing in wind and solar energy,
retrofitting older buildings to be more energy-efficient, and creating more energy-efficient vehicles and public transit, we can provide greater job security for Pennsylvania workers and their families.
In Montgomery County we transitioned our County buildings' electricity to renewable resources. We have also entered into an agreement with the three other suburban Philadelphia counties to explore the construction of a solar array to provide electrici
to our counties. Those are the science-based solutions we need nationwide. We also need to ban fracking to protect the next generation from harmful chemicals and make sure that Pennsylvania workers build the green economy, not China.
Source: 2022 Pennsylvania Senate campaign website ValArkoosh.com
Dec 19, 2021
John Fetterman:
2018: I oppose fracking; 2022: I support fracking
Pennsylvania Democratic candidate John Fetterman stumbled during the Senate debate with his GOP challenger, Dr. Mehmet Oz, after he was asked about prior statements he made in opposition to fracking: "I've always supported fracking and I always believe
that independence with our energy is critical, and we can't be held, you know, ransom to somebody like Russia," Fetterman said. "I've always believed that energy independence is critical. I do support fracking, never taken any money from their industry,
but I support how critical it is that we produce our energy and create energy independence."Fetterman said during a 2016 debate, during his first run for Senate, that he supported a fracking moratorium. In a 2018 YouTube interview, Fetterman said, "I
don't support fracking, at all, and I never have."
Contrary to previous remarks he had offered related to fracking, Fetterman and his campaign have walked back his past support for anti-fossil fuel leasing policies.
Source: Fox News FactCheck on 2022 Pennsylvania Senate race
Oct 25, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023