The state Senate recently voted to approve Senate Bill 187, legislation that would create an Independent Energy Office (IEO). The bill now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
“Pennsylvania has one of the most diverse energy portfolios in the United States,” Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford), who sponsored the bill, said. “I believe an Independent Energy Office can streamline our approach to responsible energy policy and ensure a more cohesive strategy for managing our vast natural resources.”
The IEO would be modeled after Pennsylvania’s Independent Fiscal Office and would not support or oppose any policy it analyzes. It also would disclose in published reports and estimates the methodologies, data sources and assumptions it uses.
The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry supports the bill.
“Establishing an Independent Energy Office will help us collect and analyze the data and insights needed to make smart energy decisions, strengthen grid reliability and keep Pennsylvania competitive,” Amy Brinton, the chamber’s director of government affairs, said. “Energy drives our economy, and this bill helps secure our position as a global energy leader.”
Senate Bill 187 is part of a number of measures Yaw has introduced to address the reliability of the PJM electric grid and encourage responsible energy development.