PA House Energy Committee considers first-ever regulations on data centers in Pennsylvania

(1 day ago)

HARRISBURG, Oct 23 – Yesterday, PA House Energy Committee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., convened a public hearing on legislation introduced by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver. House Bill 1834 would authorize the Public Utility Commission to establish a regulatory framework for data centers operating in the Commonwealth. Read more

 

Fiedler, Matzie introduce resolution urging Congress to fully fund LIHEAP, reinstate fired employees

(Oct 21, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 21 – Today, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver, introduced a resolution urging Congress and President Donald Trump to permanently reinstate federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program employees and to increase funding for the program. LIHEAP is a federal cash grant program that helps low-income families across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., heat and cool their homes, make emergency repairs, and prevent shutoffs of essential utilities. In Pennsylvania, 300,000 households depend on LIHEAP for heating assistance in a typical year. On April 2, Trump laid off all federal staff responsible for administering LIHEAP and proposed zero funding in his fiscal year 2026 federal budget, leaving Pennsylvanians in the lurch. “Staying warm in the winter is not a partisan issue. Red, blue, doesn’t matter. People in all areas of our commonwealth depend on LIHEAP funding to get them safely through the coldest months. It’s a federal program that literally saves lives,” said Matzie . “It seems unconscionable that funding would be withheld, but here we are. And let’s be clear, this has nothing to with the current shutdown – the funding was cut in the proposed federal budget. This resolution is a simple plea to Congress to do the right thing. Restore LIHEAP funding. People’s lives depend on it.” One in five Pennsylvania households report Read more

 

Testifiers emphasize necessity of clean manufacturing incentives proposed by Reps. Fiedler, Krajewski, Inglis

(Oct 15, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – Amid a global boom in advanced clean industries, the House Finance Committee last week convened a public hearing on H.B. 1556, the Clean Manufacturing Tax Credit bill. The three main sponsors of the bill, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler and Rep. Rick Krajewski, both D-Phila.; and Rep. John Inglis, D-Allegheny, spoke about the two-fold intent of the bill to cement the commonwealth’s standing as a leader in emerging markets of the advanced clean manufacturing sector and to minimize environmental harm. Read more

 

PA House Energy Committee tours downtown Harrisburg’s district energy system owned and operated by Cordia Energy

(Oct 10, 2025)

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, members of the PA House Energy Committee toured Cordia Energy’s Bruce Mangione Steam Plant in Harrisburg, where they got a closer look at the sustainable infrastructure that powers the Capitol Complex and much of Harrisburg. Read more

 

Fiedler, Powell, Khan, Probst bill to address school facilities crisis in Pa. passes House

(Oct 10, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Oct 10 – On Wednesday, the School Facilities Inventory Bill, H.B. 1701, passed in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The bill, introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., and Rep. Tarah Probst, D-Monroe/Pike, would address the issue of outdated and unsafe school buildings in Pennsylvania, facilitating the process by which school facilities are assessed and prioritized. “You can’t fix a problem until you know the scope of what you’re dealing with, and this bill gets us to that place,” Fiedler said. “H.B. 1701 would help us compile comprehensive data on Pennsylvania’s school buildings and ensure that recommendations on our most urgent funding needs are made by experts. That way, we can move quickly and efficiently to support schools in making repairs.” Fiedler noted that a wide scope of important building information would be provided, including the age of the buildings and their renovation history, building size and enrollment capacity. The assessments would also consider factors such as heating and ventilation, ADA compliance and environmental risk factors such as asbestos and mold. Currently, there is no statewide inventory of the condition of school buildings, nor is there statewide criteria for assessing facilities’ needs. The legislation passed Wednesday would create a comprehensive Read more

 

PA House approves unemployment for striking workers

(Oct 07, 2025)

“Going on strike takes remarkable bravery, but it shouldn’t have to mean that you and your family go hungry,” Fiedler, D-Phila., said. “There are always going to be risks when going on strike, and unemployment compensation gives workers a basic degree of stability, allowing them to fight for better working conditions on a more level playing field.” Read more

 

PA House Energy Committee holds public hearing on solar-ready warehouse legislation; labor and environmental leaders weigh-in

(Oct 07, 2025)

Continuing its efforts to ensure the commonwealth’s energy resources can meet surging demand and curb rising costs, Chair Elizabeth Fiedler convened a meeting of the PA House Energy Committee to discuss solar-readiness requirements for commercial buildings as proposed in H.B. 1260.Also known as the Solar-Ready Warehouse bill, the legislation would incentivize new warehouses to be built to accommodate solar panels and encourage existing warehouses to be retrofitted for them. Read more

 

Fiedler: PA's Future Depends on Clean Energy

(Sep 29, 2025)

PA House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler is urging her colleagues to take action now to build out Pennsylvania's clean energy infrastructure and lead the way toward a healthier, more resilient state. Read more

 

South Philly District Updates September 26, 2025

(Sep 26, 2025)

96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} Immigrant Solidarity Training in South Philly All of our neighbors deserve dignity, respect, and a right to due process. Join this special training co-hosted by my office to build the knowledge and skills to uphold yours and others’ rights and learn what you can do during an ICE raid. The first training coming up will be Tuesday, Read more

 

Fiedler: Fixing Pennsylvania’s Crumbling School Infrastructure

(Sep 24, 2025)

Outdated and unsafe school buildings are a widespread issue in Pennsylvania, with concerns such as asbestos contamination leading to closures. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler’s proposed legislation aims to identify and prioritize necessary repairs, ensuring smart investments of taxpayer dollars to address this issue affecting communities across the state. Read more

 

Testifiers highlight urgent need for school facility assessments

(Sep 22, 2025)

In the last two state budgets, we’ve secured historic funding for basic education and school building repairs, but the next step is using that funding efficiently to address the highest-need schools. This legislation will help us move forward with projects quickly and make smart use of taxpayer dollars at the same time. Read more

 

Pennsylvania House bill lays out new heat protections for workers

(Sep 12, 2025)

The bill, introduced ahead of Labor Day, would require employers to provide paid rest breaks and water when the heat index hits 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Read more

 

Solar savings

(Sep 12, 2025)

Check presentation to Community College of Philadelphia Northeast for Solar for Schools Read more

 

Op-Ed: We don’t need sacrifices to fund SEPTA when we have real solutions

(Sep 12, 2025)

Op-Ed about funding SEPTA Read more

 

September 12, 2025, Weekly E-Newsletter

(Sep 12, 2025)

96 @media only screen and (min-width:660px){.u-row{width:640px!important}.u-row .u-col{vertical-align:top}.u-row .u-col-50{width:320px!important}.u-row .u-col-100{width:640px!important}}@media (max-width:660px){.u-row-container{max-width:100%!important;padding-left:0!important;padding-right:0!important}.u-row .u-col{min-width:320px!important;max-width:100%!important;display:block!important}.u-row{width:100%!important}.u-col{width:100%!important}.u-col>div{margin:0 auto}}body{margin:0;padding:0}table,td,tr{vertical-align:top;border-collapse:collapse}p{margin:0}.ie-container table,.mso-container table{table-layout:fixed}*{line-height:inherit}a[x-apple-data-detectors=true]{color:inherit!important;text-decoration:none!important}table,td{color:#000}#u_body a{color:#00e;text-decoration:underline} Ribbon cutting on the new Jenks Playground! On Sept. 4th, I joined Councilman Squilla, Superintendent Watlington, and other important community and School District leaders for the ribbon cutting on the new Jenks School playground. Through community action and collaboration, we were Read more

 

Culver, Fiedler Celebrate Solar for Schools Investment in Bloomsburg

(Sep 08, 2025)

BLOOMSBURG, Sept. 8 – On Friday, Sept. 5, Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., joined Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-Columbia/Luzerne/Montour/Northumberland/Snyder, to celebrate the Bloomsburg Area School District’s achievement in acquiring Solar for Schools grants. Bloomsburg Mayor Justin Hummel, Superintendent JJ Cleaver, school board member Dr. Eric Miller, and other leaders and community members gathered at the event to honor the two Bloomsburg schools that received awards totaling $800,000. "I am so happy to know that, with the support of Senator Culver and the Bloomsburg Area School District, state funds are going to a place I hold close to my heart: my hometown and my alma mater,” Fiedler said. “Saving money through solar investments means more dollars going directly to the classrooms, so our students can learn at their best.” “This program is about stretching taxpayer dollars while giving our schools the tools to plan for the future,” Culver said. “I am grateful to Representative Fiedler, the Bloomsburg Area School District, and all of our partners for their leadership on this important initiative.” The event, held at W.W. Evans Elementary School, highlighted how the grants will support the district in moving forward with solar energy projects that reduce long-term utility costs, expand educational opportunities, and create local jobs. “This is Read more

 

We don’t need sacrifices to fund SEPTA when we have real solutions

(Sep 07, 2025)

In the current debate about the state budget and SEPTA funding, we keep hearing a familiar story. The story goes that Pennsylvania is running out of money, and the only way we can pay for transit systems like SEPTA is to take money from other pots. Robbing Peter to pay Paul. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for urgent SEPTA funding ahead of Eagles home opener

(Sep 04, 2025)

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 – Yesterday, one day ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles home opener, the Philadelphia House Delegation hosted a press conference to bring attention to the impacts that SEPTA cuts will have on the region and the stadium district. "How do you efficiently move upwards of 100,000 people? It can’t be done by flooding our already overburdened streets and highways with additional traffic,” said Rep. Morgan Cephas, Chair of the Philadelphia House Delegation. “SEPTA is more than just getting to the game, but without it, gameday is a major traffic headache across our city. SEPTA and public transportation systems should be a priority for leaders across the state. We saw how effective transit was during the Eagles championship parade in February. We’ll need it again for next year’s parade and the other world-class events coming to our city. As leaders, we must find consensus on a solution that keeps transit moving beyond a short-term fix - we can’t afford to let SEPTA be destroyed." Lincoln Financial Field seats over 60,000 attendees, but many more people travel to the stadium district on game days, including stadium workers or fans intending to tailgate or watch the game nearby. On average, an Eagles game brings in up to 17,000 additional Broad Street Line riders. On Tuesday, Lincoln Financial Field issued a travel advisory to fans, discouraging tailgating or travel to the area for Read more

 

Philadelphia legislators, school leaders celebrate Solar for Schools grant recipients at Community College of Philadelphia Northeast Regional Center

(Sep 04, 2025)

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 4 – A bipartisan celebration and check ceremony last week honored the Community College of Philadelphia’s Northeast Regional Center for securing $176,695 in state Solar for Schools grants. Solar for Schools is designed to address the school funding crisis, rising utility costs and climate change. The program helps schools cover the costs of installing and maintaining solar panels. Estimates show solar installations can save school districts millions of dollars over the life of one project. “Solar for Schools is a smart step forward, and I believe we can do even more to advance an all-of-the-above energy approach that unleashes natural gas and renewables to keep power reliable and affordable for schools, families and businesses,” said state Rep. Martina White, R-Philadelphia . “I am proud to support this investment,” said state Sen. Joseph Picozzi, R-Philadelphia . “It will give schools the ability to redirect those dollars into programs that benefit both the college and students, with the discretion to decide where these funds are needed most.” White and Picozzi , who both represent the campus, presented the school with a check at the event. The Northeast Regional Center is Community College of Philadelphia’s largest and most independently functional regional center. The center offers degrees, certification programs, and student and career Read more

 

Fiedler, Haddock introduce worker heat protections legislation in time for Labor Day

(Aug 28, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Aug 28 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and State Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, today introduced legislation ( H.B. 1580 ) to protect workers in Pennsylvania from extreme heat on the job. Each year, thousands of Pennsylvania workers are subjected to long hours in potentially fatal heat. Risk of heat-related illness or death is particularly great for outdoor construction workers, farmworkers, and workers in warehouses or kitchens that lack adequate air conditioning. Many workers impacted are immigrants or non-union workers who may also be at increased risk of retaliation. There are currently no federal or statewide heat protections for workers, and the consequences are disastrous, said the legislators. On average, heat kills more people each year than hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined. About 40 workers per year died from exposure to extreme heat over the past decade, and those numbers are likely underestimated. House Bill 1580 is designed to prevent tragedies by requiring employers to offer paid rest breaks, water, and access to shade during extreme heat. “Labor Day is a reminder of our commitment to the workers who put food on our tables, build our roads and bridges, and make Pennsylvania run,” Fiedler said. “When something as simple as a water break can mean the difference between life and death – between a mother coming home after work or her children never Read more

 

PA House Energy Committee considers first-ever regulations on data centers in Pennsylvania
1 day ago

Fiedler, Matzie introduce resolution urging Congress to fully fund LIHEAP, reinstate fired employees
Oct 21, 2025

Testifiers emphasize necessity of clean manufacturing incentives proposed by Reps. Fiedler, Krajewski, Inglis
Oct 15, 2025

PA House Energy Committee tours downtown Harrisburg’s district energy system owned and operated by Cordia Energy
Oct 10, 2025

Fiedler, Powell, Khan, Probst bill to address school facilities crisis in Pa. passes House
Oct 10, 2025

PA House approves unemployment for striking workers
Oct 07, 2025

PA House Energy Committee holds public hearing on solar-ready warehouse legislation; labor and environmental leaders weigh-in
Oct 07, 2025

Fiedler: PA's Future Depends on Clean Energy
Sep 29, 2025

South Philly District Updates September 26, 2025
Sep 26, 2025

Fiedler: Fixing Pennsylvania’s Crumbling School Infrastructure
Sep 24, 2025

Testifiers highlight urgent need for school facility assessments
Sep 22, 2025

Pennsylvania House bill lays out new heat protections for workers
Sep 12, 2025

Solar savings
Sep 12, 2025

Op-Ed: We don’t need sacrifices to fund SEPTA when we have real solutions
Sep 12, 2025

September 12, 2025, Weekly E-Newsletter
Sep 12, 2025

Culver, Fiedler Celebrate Solar for Schools Investment in Bloomsburg
Sep 08, 2025

We don’t need sacrifices to fund SEPTA when we have real solutions
Sep 07, 2025

Philadelphia House Delegation calls for urgent SEPTA funding ahead of Eagles home opener
Sep 04, 2025

Philadelphia legislators, school leaders celebrate Solar for Schools grant recipients at Community College of Philadelphia Northeast Regional Center
Sep 04, 2025

Fiedler, Haddock introduce worker heat protections legislation in time for Labor Day
Aug 28, 2025