Pennsylvania Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Williamsport) said in 2026 he would continue to focus on the energy sector, keeping Pennsylvania competitive for businesses and making sure rural communities get what they deserve.
Yaw, who serves as chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said in 2026 he would continue to work on the state’s grid reliability that will help to keep the lights on during periods of peak demand. Additionally, he said he would continue to work on reducing taxes on legal skill video games, reducing red tape and updating the Board of Vehicles Act.
In the healthcare arena, Yaw also said he would work on improving access to mental healthcare, particularly in rural areas, move to codify Pennsylvania’s Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment, and continue to address PFAS contamination. He also said he would push for reforms to stream maintenance that will empower local governments to perform routine clearing and stabilization, reduce flood risks and protect property without unnecessary permitting hurdles.
“I believe Pennsylvania is the best place to live in this country and I want to see it grow and prosper,” Yaw concluded. “We have more work to do and I’m looking forward to a productive year ahead.”
In 2025, Yaw championed several initiatives strengthening the state’s energy policies, as well as sponsoring legislation that improved electric load forecasting and repealed the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Yaw also introduced legislation that would encourage investment in baseload power generation and led efforts to create an Independent Energy Office.
“I’m proud of the work we’ve done this year to support and advocate for the people of the 23rd District,” Yaw said. “We delivered real results in 2025, and we’ll build on that progress in 2026 with practical, commonsense policies that reflect on the needs of our communities.”