House Republicans introduce bill to update Pipeline Investment Program as part of Energize PA bill package

The House Republican Caucus introduced Monday the eight-bill Energize PA package, which includes a bill sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) that would update and expand the Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE).

The bill, House Bill 1103, would make grants from the PIPE program more readily available to help build the last few miles of natural gas distribution lines to business parks and existing manufacturing and industrial enterprises.

“Through our Energize PA bill package, we will provide more job opportunities across the Commonwealth, especially our rural communities and allow other businesses to further expand and grow our state’s economy,” Fritz said.

The bill would also open existing grants to large residential conversion projects and combined heat and power applications, increase the maximum grant amount from $1 million to $1.5 million, provide for an additional $500,000 grant for tapping projects and directs the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) to develop streamlined guidelines to expedite applications for grants of $75,000 or less.