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Fiedler, Watro introduce bipartisan legislation to launch new statewide workforce development strategy, establish trades pre-apprenticeships at community colleges

(1 day ago)

HARRISBURG, June 5 – Today, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Rep. Dane Watro, R-Luzerne/Schuylkill, introduced H.B. 2461, known as the Building and Construction Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Initiative. The legislation would create stronger pathways for Pennsylvanians to find family-sustaining, union jobs by strengthening the partnership among Pennsylvania’s building trades unions and its 15 community colleges. House Bill 2461 would establish pre-apprenticeship programs at each of Pennsylvania’s community colleges using NABTU’s Multi-Craft Core Curriculum. It would also create an annual Building and Construction Trades Youth Camp to engage students as early as middle school and a grant program to help community colleges operate each of the new programs. “For many, the path into a union job starts in pre-apprenticeship and CTE programs, which expose young people to work and career options that they didn’t even know existed. These are life-changing, transformational moments. Pennsylvania needs to invest more in these programs,” Fiedler said. “These unions don’t just provide a job, they offer a career with family-sustaining wages and benefits, and a future. In 2026, this is how many can still realize the American dream: pay your bills each month, take your family on vacation, and have time to coach your kids’ softball team.” The next decade will see Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates first awardees of Solar for Schools in its second year; School District of Philadelphia to bring solar to three school buildings

(Jun 04, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, June 4 – The PA Department of Community and Economic Development recently announced a more than $1.9 million investment in five Pennsylvania schools through the Solar for Schools grant program. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., who introduced the Solar for Schools legislation, celebrated the announcement. “We saw overwhelming demand in the first year of Solar for Schools, with schools requesting more than three times the funding available. I am so glad we have another opportunity this year to award funding to even more schools.” said Fiedler. “From right in my South Philly district all the way to Elk County, these awards show us that what connects Pennsylvania schools is the desire to do right by their communities and invest in their future.” "We are thrilled to celebrate the first round of the 2026 PA Solar for Schools grant program awards! This is a big win for clean energy, education, and local communities across Pennsylvania. We encourage more schools to apply as the DCED is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Every dollar a school district spends on a utility bill is a dollar that is NOT going toward a teacher's salary, a new library, or updated technology for our students," said Shannon Crooker, Generation180's Pennsylvania director. As energy prices rise nationwide, schools are struggling to keep up with utility costs, which are already their Read more

 

Fiedler, Abney, Inglis bill to modernize Tax Code, close digital ads loophole reported out of House Finance Committee

(Jun 03, 2026)

HARRISBURG, June 3 – Today, the House Finance Committee approved H.B. 1678 . The legislation would update Pennsylvania’s existing gross receipts tax to include the sale of digital advertisements. This is a long-overdue modernization of the commonwealth’s dated Tax Code, to include the global, digital economy. T he vast majority of the tax will be paid by the wealthiest Big Tech corporations, including Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok and Microsoft, the sponsors said. Digital ads subject to the tax would include banners, search engine results and full-screen interstitial ads. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Rep. Aerion Abney and Rep. John Inglis, both D-Allegheny. “Bus drivers, teachers, cashiers and nurses are struggling to keep up with their household bills. This budget season in Harrisburg, we must remain focused on keeping their costs down. This bill protects people’s wallets and brings in revenue for important public programs and services like education, healthcare and transit,” said Fiedler . “It’s past time we require billionaires and Big Tech corporations pay their fair share to our Commonwealth, and close the digital ads loophole. I am thankful to the House Finance Committee for seeing the urgent need to move this bill.” The legislation could have significant impact on the state’s budget. House Bill 1678 Read more

 

As workers face effects of climate change, labor leaders and advocates convene to support first statewide heat protections introduced by Fiedler, Haddock

(Jun 02, 2026)

HARRISBURG, June 2 – Today, lawmakers, labor leaders, environmental advocates and impacted workers gathered in the state Capitol to call on the legislature to pass Workplace Heat Protections ( H.B. 1580 ). Introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and Rep. Jim Haddock, D-Lackawanna/Luzerne, H.B. 1580 would require employers to implement heat illness prevention plans during extreme heat. The plans would require paid rest breaks, water and access to shade; education on signs and symptoms of heat illness, such as heat stroke; and training on emergency response procedures. "All workers share the desire to earn a good wage and support their families, whether they cook food in kitchens, build our commonwealth’s infrastructure on construction sites, or teach kids in classrooms. But Pennsylvania’s lack of heat protections is threatening that goal and endangering workers,” said Fiedler . “This bill provides basic safety measures for all Pennsylvania workers, regardless of sector or workplace, so they can return home safely to their loved ones at the end of each day.” “Currently workers in Pennsylvania have no workplace heat protections on the federal level or on the state level. Unbelievably, in Pa. we have laws on the books to protect our dogs and cats during extreme heat, but not humans. It is time to pass laws for our Pennsylvania workers, to protect them just like we do our furry Read more

 

Fiedler, Burgos introduce legislation to curb excessive profits for utility corporations, save consumers money

(May 18, 2026)

HARRISBURG, May 18 – Pennsylvania House Energy Committee Majority Chair Elizabeth Fiedler and state House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee Majority Chair Danilo Burgos introduced legislation today that would limit excessive profits for utility corporations. “It’s outrageous that utility companies can make tremendous profits while raising rates on working people. Under Pa. law, rates are supposed to be fair for consumers, while allowing utility companies to recover costs and earn reasonable returns,” said Fiedler, D-Phila. “Yet right now, working people can’t even afford their energy bills – and these companies are making record-breaking profits. That needs to change.”“Our goal here is simple: while utility companies should earn a fair return for keeping the lights on and the water running, that shouldn't come at the expense of Pennsylvanians who are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Burgos, D-Phila. “By fixing the way these rates are set and reviewed, we’re finally pulling back the curtain and making the whole process more honest. We’re making it clear that Pennsylvania is done just 'rubber-stamping' every price hike that comes across the desk.”Burgos and Fiedler emphasized that they are committed to working together to make sure necessities, such as heat and power, stay affordable for every family in the commonwealth. Read more

 

School leaders, education advocates tout success of bipartisan Solar for Schools program, encourage schools to apply

(May 05, 2026)

HARRISBURG, May 5 – On Monday, Pennsylvania school superintendents from across the state gathered in Harrisburg to celebrate the first successful year of the Solar for Schools program. The group was joined by education advocates who encouraged schools to apply for the bipartisan state grant program’s second year of funding . “With electricity prices rising quickly, schools need a solution to reduce operating costs. The 74 K-12 schools awarded Solar for Schools grants last year expect to save more than $5 million in electricity costs annually. We urge our legislators to continue funding this successful grant program that enables our schools to invest in student learning rather than utility bills,” said Shannon Crooker , Pennsylvania director of Generation180. In January, when the program reopened for applications, a bicameral, bipartisan group of legislators celebrated the program’s second year of funding. Solar for Schools legislation was originally introduced by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila. “At its core, this project is about more than just energy. It’s about responsibility, innovation and opportunity,” said Willie Slade, superintendent of Steelton-Highspire School District. “As educators, our mission is to prepare students not just for the next test, but for the future they will inherit. That future demands that we think differently about how we use resources, Read more

 

Fiedler celebrates unanimous Pa. House vote for Advanced Transmission Technologies bill and bipartisan passage of PEDA Modernization bill

(May 05, 2026)

HARRISBURG, May 5 – On Monday, the PA House of Representatives passed legislation that would address the energy affordability crisis by protecting utility customers from expenses related to infrastructure upgrades. The Advanced Transmission Technologies bill (H.B. 2223) passed with unanimous support. The House also passed the PEDA Modernization bill (H.B. 2347) to advance energy generation and grid stabilization.“Pennsylvania needs to make use of efficient energy infrastructure if we’re going to address our energy demand and energy affordability issues. ATTs are a commonsense, cost-effective strategy that will protect customers and help utility companies save money too – I'm glad to see this legislation received bipartisan support,” said Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee and author of both bills. Advanced Transmission Technologies are a collection of modern hardware and software tools that increase the capacity, efficiency, and reliability of existing grid infrastructure. This allows consumers to get more out of the existing grid and avoid the need to build new lines, saving families and small businesses money on their bills. House Bill 2223 would require utilities in Pennsylvania to demonstrate that they have evaluated ATTs whenever they file to build or upgrade electric transmission lines. The Public Utility Commission would be prohibited from approving a project unless it determines that the applicant has incorporated all advanced... Read more

 

State House passes bipartisan legislation to advance geothermal energy development

(May 04, 2026)

HARRISBURG, May 4 – With several states beginning to establish regulations for geothermal energy, Pennsylvania has now joined that group with the state House passing bipartisan legislation to foster the development of this clean base load energy source, announced the bill’s co-prime sponsors, state Reps. Arvind Venkat, Craig Williams and Elizabeth Fiedler. House Bill 2076 would establish a framework for the development of geothermal energy, which allows for heat deep beneath the Earth's surface to be harnessed for energy from places it previously was not able to be collected. Before recent technological developments, geothermal energy production historically took place near volcanoes and hot springs. “This legislation will enable us to make bold investments into Pennsylvania’s geothermal resources that we have not been able to use before,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny . “We have been a national leader in energy development, and this legislation would enable us to move forward in the world of clean energy production and create jobs, while also reducing energy costs for consumers.” The framework in this legislation includes several new developments for geothermal energy, including authorizing the state Department of Environmental Protection to regulate geothermal injection wells with a predictable and responsible permitting framework, establish subsurface ownership rights for geothermal resources, Read more

 

Fiedler announces S.P.R.I.N.G. initiative for public spaces in South Philly; celebrates $3.6 million already awarded

(Apr 30, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, April 30 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila, today announced her new initiative, South Philly Revitalization Initiative for New Greenspace, or SPRING, to encourage the maintenance and development of playgrounds, green space, and other public spaces in her district. “It’s important that children, seniors and people of all ages have a space for relaxation and recreation right in their own neighborhood,” Fiedler said. “Playgrounds and green space are good for our bodies and our minds, and serve as important gathering spaces in our communities, allowing us to connect and meet our neighbors. Since I came into office, we have worked diligently to bring back state funds for this purpose. I’m so proud of the work that we have done!” Since taking office, Fiedler has brought in over $3.6 million in state funding to directly support schools, community centers, libraries, parks, sports facilities, and other spaces for rest and play. Green and recreation spaces have many proven benefits for communities, especially for youth. Research shows that playgrounds have a positive impact on children’s mental and physical health. Access to green spaces like parks also eases stress, encourages physical activity , and creates positive social conditions that deter crime for both children and adults. The initiative will also bring Read more

 

New legislation to tax Big Tech’s digital advertising considered by PA House committee

(Apr 29, 2026)

HARRISBURG, April 29 - The PA House Finance Committee today considered H.B. 1678 , new legislation that would tax revenue derived from digital advertising platforms. The bill, known as the Digital Ads Tax, was introduced by state Reps. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, and John Inglis, D-Allegheny. House Bill 1678 would extend the existing gross receipts tax -- a 5% tax already paid by telecommunications and other industries -- to revenue from digital advertising platforms, which sell ad space on websites and apps. Digital ads subject to the tax would include banners, search engine results, and full-screen interstitial ads. The vast majority of the tax will be paid by the wealthiest Big Tech corporations, including Google, Meta, Amazon, TikTok, and Microsoft, the sponsors said. “Working people are struggling under the weight of the rising cost of groceries, gas, and housing, but still manage to pay their taxes. This legislation calls on some of the biggest corporations in the world to pay their fair share,” said Fiedler. “This legislation doesn’t cost people in Pennsylvania a penny. But with investment by these huge for-profit corporations, we can fund the infrastructure we all count on: roads, bridges, schools, and transit.” “I appreciate Chair Fiedler for introducing this legislation and thank the members of the committee for their thoughtful discussion on the Read more

 

Chairman Harris, Rep. Fiedler join medical experts and advocates to highlight vaccine education

(Apr 23, 2026)

“In just a few days I’ll be coming back here for my kids’ appointments. I know how tough it is as parent: you’re trying to do your best, keeping up with jobs, with paying for groceries, it is a lot,” said Fiedler. “Making health decisions can be overwhelming to add on to that. We are so lucky to have experts right here in South Philly who we can turn to, who we can trust.” Read more

 

Pielli and Fiedler introduce bill to end excess utility profits

(Apr 20, 2026)

"We need energy to live, to keep our homes running, to stay cool in the summer – and when families can't afford their energy bills, it means we need to restore balance to a broken system," Fiedler said. "This is a commonsense solution that will lighten the load on regular ratepayers who are already shouldering costs that are far too high." Read more

 

Fiedler reacts to PECO rate case withdrawal, calls out utility price gouging

(Apr 16, 2026)

PHILADELPHIA, April 16 – State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, chair of the Pennsylvania House Energy Committee, issued the following response to PECO’s rate case withdrawal Thursday: “People in my district are already struggling. They’re working multiple jobs, canceling doctors’ appointments, and putting groceries back on the shelf instead of in their cart. It’s painful to think about the choices that Pennsylvanians would face if their bills shot up by another $30 a month, but that was almost their reality. “I am relieved to hear the news that PECO customers will avoid another unnecessary rate hike. The withdrawal of the proposed rate increase will save 1.7 million ratepayers a total of $510 million on their utility bills. PECO’s requested hike would have increased some household bills by up to $34 a month. “This reversal makes evident that a rate hike was never necessary to maintain safe and reliable service. It shows us that utility companies are making extraordinary profits already, at a cost to working people and families. “PECO’s CEO made more than $15 million last year. Meanwhile, utility bills are up 10 to 20 percent. The war in Iran, reckless tariffs, and big tech have worsened the affordability crisis. Pennsylvanians are making impossibly painful choices just to pay their bills and stay afloat. They deserve to thrive – not just survive. Read more

 

To protect Pennsylvanians from skyrocketing energy costs, Pa. House Democrats introduce energy affordability legislation that would lower bills, rein in corporate greed

(Apr 15, 2026)

HARRISBURG, April 15 – On Wednesday, PA House Democrats launched a bold new bill package to tackle the energy affordability crisis by reining in corporate greed, implementing electric grid efficiency measures, and regulating data centers’ impacts on Pennsylvania communities. This package offers a multifaceted response by:•guaranteeing that costs related to data center development are not shouldered by ratepayers,•reforming Pennsylvania’s broken ratemaking system to ensure customers pay a fair price for the energy they use, and •modernizing the state’s electric grid so growing energy demand can be met at a reasonable cost.Across the commonwealth, Pennsylvanians are facing skyrocketing energy costs. Utility shutoffs were up 38% in 2025 as 1-in-5 Pennsylvania households report having trouble paying their utility bills each month. House Energy Committee chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., said it’s clear that this crisis is reaching a breaking point. Read more

 

House Energy Committee advances three bills to bring next-generation energy technologies to the Commonwealth

(Apr 13, 2026)

HARRISBURG, April 13 – Today, members of the House Energy Committee voted favorably to report three bills out of committee that would expand energy generation in Pennsylvania and improve grid efficiency.The bills are:•Geothermal Energy Development, H.B. 2076.•Advanced Transmission Technologies (ATTs), H.B. 2223.•PEDA Modernization, H.B. 2347. Following a series of public hearings and informational meetings on the Commonwealth’s surging energy needs, state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee, convened a voting meeting on these key bills. Read more

 

Amid energy affordability crisis, House Blue-Green Caucus launches new bill package to expand clean energy, strengthen workforce

(Apr 13, 2026)

HARRISBURG, April 13 – On Monday, members of the House Blue-Green Caucus stood with leading labor and environmental advocates to unveil a new package of bills designed to accelerate Pennsylvania’s clean energy production and create union jobs in growing energy sectors. This package comes at a crucial moment as energy prices rise, renewable energy sector jobs are under threat, and Pennsylvania continues to rank among the lowest in renewable energy production. From Trump’s disastrous war with Iran to the systematic rollback of federal clean energy investments, working Pennsylvanians are currently bearing the brunt of skyrocketing electricity costs and ballooning prices at the gas pumps. With federal decisions driving up prices, the 58-member Blue-Green Caucus chaired by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., said that Harrisburg must step up to provide real, state-level solutions. “Pennsylvania is an energy leader, with a highly skilled workforce and the resources and space for energy development: there’s no reason why we should be falling behind states like Texas when it comes to renewable energy production,” Fiedler said. “We have 581 million square feet of warehouse rooftop space to install solar panels, we have hundreds of schools eager to apply for Solar for Schools grant funding, and we have working people who want and deserve good, family-sustaining jobs. This package is a win-win-win for Read more

 

House Energy Committee holds public hearing on groundbreaking geothermal energy development bill

(Mar 27, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 27 – The PA House Energy Committee convened a public hearing on a bipartisan clean energy bill (H.B. 2076) sponsored by state Reps. Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny; Craig Williams, R-Chester; and Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the committee. The bill would establish regulations for the generation of energy from geothermal resources within the Commonwealth. Read more

 

First-ever data center regulations in Pennsylvania history pass House

(Mar 24, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 24 – On Tuesday, the PA House passed H.B. 1834, legislation that would create the first-ever regulatory framework for data centers in Pennsylvania. The bill is a multifaceted response that would protect ratepayers from even higher utility bills, increase the construction of renewable energy, and fund low-income energy assistance programs. The bill was introduced by state Rep. Robert Matzie, D-Beaver.Pennsylvania has become a site of interest for widespread data center development, yet the Commonwealth currently has no statewide standards for data centers and lacks oversight of these facilities.As a result, ratepayers are often left footing the bill for upgrades to grid infrastructure required by large-load projects like data centers. The immense amount of energy needed to power data centers is also a major driver of rising energy prices, which have increased faster than inflation over the past six years. Consequently, one in six Pennsylvania families are struggling to keep up with their bills, and utility shutoffs rose 38% in 2025. Read more

 

House Energy Committee hears testimony on competitive financing opportunities, efficiency, and clean energy projects through PEDA

(Mar 24, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 24 – Continuing its efforts to ensure the commonwealth can reliably meet rising energy demand, the House Energy Committee convened an informational meeting on Monday on the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority’s role in building out new energy generation resources. State Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., chair of the House Energy Committee, said Pennsylvania’s rising energy demand stems from the rapid proliferation of data centers that support artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the increasing electrification of vehicles and household appliances, and growth in the advanced manufacturing sector. To keep pace and prevent energy bills from rising further, the state must add new generation projects to the energy mix and adopt efficiency measures. Read more

 

Testifiers emphasize the role of grid modernization in curbing rising energy costs

(Mar 18, 2026)

HARRISBURG, March 17 – On Monday, PA House Energy Committee Chair Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., convened a public hearing to discuss ways to modernize and upgrade Pennsylvania’s electric grid using lower-cost, high-efficiency solutions.Members of the committee heard testimony from industry experts on H.B. 2223, which would encourage the adoption of advanced transmission technologies, and H.B. 2264, which would establish a virtual power plant program in Pennsylvania. ATTs and VPPs offer cost-effective opportunities to strengthen grid reliability, expand capacity, and ensure energy costs are kept as low as possible for consumers and small businessesPennsylvania’s energy demand is being driven higher by the rapid expansion of data centers that support artificial intelligence and cloud computing, the increasing electrification of vehicles and household appliances, and the power needs of advanced manufacturing. This demand shift has already led to record increases in energy bills for regular households, with shutoffs increasing by 38% in 2025. To keep pace, the Commonwealth’s electric grid requires significant and timely capacity upgrades. Read more

 

Fiedler, Watro introduce bipartisan legislation to launch new statewide workforce development strategy, establish trades pre-apprenticeships at community colleges
1 day ago

Fiedler celebrates first awardees of Solar for Schools in its second year; School District of Philadelphia to bring solar to three school buildings
Jun 04, 2026

Fiedler, Abney, Inglis bill to modernize Tax Code, close digital ads loophole reported out of House Finance Committee
Jun 03, 2026

As workers face effects of climate change, labor leaders and advocates convene to support first statewide heat protections introduced by Fiedler, Haddock
Jun 02, 2026

Fiedler, Burgos introduce legislation to curb excessive profits for utility corporations, save consumers money
May 18, 2026

School leaders, education advocates tout success of bipartisan Solar for Schools program, encourage schools to apply
May 05, 2026

Fiedler celebrates unanimous Pa. House vote for Advanced Transmission Technologies bill and bipartisan passage of PEDA Modernization bill
May 05, 2026

State House passes bipartisan legislation to advance geothermal energy development
May 04, 2026

Fiedler announces S.P.R.I.N.G. initiative for public spaces in South Philly; celebrates $3.6 million already awarded
Apr 30, 2026

New legislation to tax Big Tech’s digital advertising considered by PA House committee
Apr 29, 2026

Chairman Harris, Rep. Fiedler join medical experts and advocates to highlight vaccine education
Apr 23, 2026

Pielli and Fiedler introduce bill to end excess utility profits
Apr 20, 2026

Fiedler reacts to PECO rate case withdrawal, calls out utility price gouging
Apr 16, 2026

To protect Pennsylvanians from skyrocketing energy costs, Pa. House Democrats introduce energy affordability legislation that would lower bills, rein in corporate greed
Apr 15, 2026

House Energy Committee advances three bills to bring next-generation energy technologies to the Commonwealth
Apr 13, 2026

Amid energy affordability crisis, House Blue-Green Caucus launches new bill package to expand clean energy, strengthen workforce
Apr 13, 2026

House Energy Committee holds public hearing on groundbreaking geothermal energy development bill
Mar 27, 2026

First-ever data center regulations in Pennsylvania history pass House
Mar 24, 2026

House Energy Committee hears testimony on competitive financing opportunities, efficiency, and clean energy projects through PEDA
Mar 24, 2026

Testifiers emphasize the role of grid modernization in curbing rising energy costs
Mar 18, 2026