State Capitol Update

With the passage of the state budget in the rearview mirror, the General Assembly was in Harrisburg last week for one of the last scheduled session days of the year. Both chambers have one more week of scheduled session dates to close out the first year of a two-year legislative session. The State Senate will return December 8 – 10, and the State House of Representatives will return December 15 – 17. The session will then transition to 2026, which will be a significant election year in Pennsylvania, including elections for a major Governor race, half (25 seats) of the Pennsylvania State Senate, and all 203 seats in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The following legislative activity occurred last week of note to PPA members.

Introduction of Clean Fuel Standard Legislation 

Bi-partisan legislation to establish a Clean Fuel Standard in Pennsylvania was introduced on Friday in the State House. House Bill 2063 was filed by Rep. Paul Takac (D-Centre) and cosponsored by Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny). The bill language will be available this week once it is referred to a House committee. The PPA, farmers association, major oil companies, producers of renewable natural gas (RNG), landfill operators, and companies with large delivery fleets have provided input during the stakeholder process. The PPA will continue to work with membership to gather information regarding the proposed plan and to develop a formal position on the bill. The legislation in the coming months will be subject to public hearings and intense scrutiny by legislators and other policymakers.

Flex Fuel Modernization Bill Passes State Senate 

Senate Bill 1058 was unanimously passed by the Senate on November 18 and is now referred to the House Transportation Committee.  The legislation would correct the definition of the Alternative Fuels Tax in the Vehicle Code to define E-85 fuel as containing 51-to-83% ethanol. Currently, the definition explains E-85 fuel as containing at least 85% ethanol, which doesn’t align with the industry standard. The PPA is supportive of the legislation.