Governor Shapiro Promotes Lightning Plan for Energy Innovation in PA

Governor Shapiro's Lightning Plan: Energizing Pennsylvania's Future

In recent weeks, Governor Shapiro has toured innovative energy projects across Pennsylvania, emphasizing the state's commitment to sustainable solutions.

Harrisburg, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro is spearheading a transformative energy initiative known as the "Lightning Plan." This comprehensive strategy aims to revolutionize Pennsylvania's energy landscape by reducing costs, generating employment, and expanding opportunities throughout the state. During a visit to Penn England Farms in Blair County, the Governor showcased a methane digester that converts farm waste into energy, cutting costs and minimizing pollution. The plan promises to make such technology more accessible to farmers, allowing them to lower expenses and earn from surplus energy.

Supported by a coalition of labor, industry, environmental, and consumer groups, the Lightning Plan accelerates energy projects and streamlines regulatory processes to deliver tangible savings. Pennsylvania, renowned for its historical contributions to energy innovation, is poised to maintain its leadership in energy production and economic growth, building on a legacy that spans from Benjamin Franklin to modern clean technologies.

Governor Shapiro recently launched his legislative push for the Lightning Plan at Voith Hydro in York, a global leader in hydropower manufacturing. Earlier this year, he introduced the plan during a visit to Pittsburgh International Airport, highlighting a $1.5 billion hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel project that is creating 3,000 construction jobs. Additionally, a new agreement with PJM Interconnection is set to save consumers $21 billion over two years, reducing household energy costs.

Learn more about the Lightning Plan and view co-sponsorship memos for each part of the plan.

Yvette Longenecker, Owner of Penn England Farms: "Our family has spent generations producing high-quality milk while being responsible stewards of the land — that’s why we installed a digester. A digester allows us to turn something we already have — manure — into something valuable: renewable energy. It helps power our farm, reduces odors, improves water quality, and provides an additional revenue stream to keep our operation sustainable."

Mark Heeter, President of the Blair County Farm Bureau: "As a farmer and president of the Blair County Farm Bureau, I know the challenges our industry faces — from rising costs to the need for more efficient practices. The community energy proposal gives farmers the opportunity to invest in methane digesters, reduce energy costs, and improve farm operations to stay competitive."

Steven McKnight, President and CEO of the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD): "Programs like these are fueling growth across the Commonwealth, allowing rural and agricultural communities to embrace innovative energy solutions. Governor Shapiro, we appreciate your vision, planning, and ongoing partnership in strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy."

Senator Judy Schwank: "Community Energy will make clean, renewable energy more affordable and accessible for farmers, helping them lower utility costs and boost profitability. I’m proud to partner with Governor Shapiro to introduce Community Energy legislation, which is just one exciting piece of the Lightning Plan."

Representative Peter Schweyer: "Community energy will help reduce the strain on the electricity grid and help lower utility costs by allowing people that cannot currently utilize solar panels or other renewable energy sources to get access."

Stanley Kocon, President & CEO of Voith Hydro North America: "Demand for electricity in the US is growing, and hydro power stands out as one of the most reliable and sustainable renewable energy sources available."

Jim Enders, President of the Central Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council: "We’re long overdue to unite behind a strategy that encourages energy production, lowers costs for energy consumers, creates good paying union jobs, and at the same time is mindful of the planet."

Kevin Schreiber, President & CEO, York County Economic Alliance: "The Lightning Plan’s impact on communities like York – where manufacturing is not just an industry but a way of life – will be transformative."

Patrick McDonnell, President & CEO of PennFuture: "The lightning plan is a real, concrete way for us to reduce energy costs for consumers and to make sure we’re putting the people of Pennsylvania to work."

Senator Carolyn Comitta: "PACER and the Governor’s 'Lightning Plan' are the way forward to cleaner air, better economic opportunities, and consumer savings on electricity bills."

Representative Aerion Abney: "PACER is a win-win for the environment and Pennsylvanians."

Senator Steve Santarsiero: "I applaud Governor Shapiro for leading the way and bringing together the interests of consumers, labor, and the environment to find a solution that works for all of us."

Representative Danielle Otten: "PRESS, as part of Governor Shapiro’s Lightning Plan, will help to diversify our energy sources, reduce emissions, build resiliency into our grid, improve reliability, and lower electricity costs for ratepayers."

Senator John I. Kane: "I’m thrilled to see Governor Shapiro taking bold action with the Lightning Plan, and I’m proud to be the prime sponsor of the RESET Board, which will be a key part of that vision."

Representative Mandy Steele: "Creating a Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board will speed up the entire process, from permitting to reducing red tape, and supporting new energy projects in a big way."

Senator Lisa Boscola: "Reforming Act 129 will give homeowners and businesses the incentives they need to reduce their energy bills by making investments in items that will drive down their energy consumption."

Representative Kyle Donahue: "This plan will create jobs, lower costs for consumers, protect Pennsylvania from global instability by building next generation power."

Senator Jay Costa: "By unleashing Pennsylvania’s energy potential, Governor Shapiro will create energy jobs, lower energy costs, protect PA’s energy independence."

Senator Nick Pisciottano: "I commend Governor Shapiro for this bold, responsible, forward-looking energy plan."

Representative John Inglis: "I’m proud to be the sponsor of the EDGE tax credits in the Lightning package to help fund energy generation and infrastructure upgrades."

Representative Rob Matzie: "Investing in sustainable aviation fuel production with the Lightning plan helps cut emissions, create good-paying jobs, and support innovation in agriculture."

Representative Tom Mehaffie: "We are overdue to re-energize the tax credits and ensure the Commonwealth – and nation – have sources of PA-produced, reliable power for years to come."