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

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently unveiled his ambitious "Lightning Plan" at the historic Voith Hydro plant in York, Pennsylvania. This strategic initiative aims to position the state at the forefront of electrical production in North America by offering tax incentives and streamlining regulations. The plan takes an "all of the above" approach to energy production, encompassing fossil fuels, fracking, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. By doing so, Shapiro hopes to create and retain jobs in the Commonwealth while ensuring a sustainable energy future.

The Voith Hydro plant, with its rich history dating back to 1877, serves as a fitting backdrop for this announcement. Originally known as S. Morgan Smith, it is believed to be the first hydroelectric power manufacturing factory in America. This historical significance underscores the plant's role in shaping Pennsylvania's energy landscape and its continued relevance in the modern era.

Shapiro's plan is not just about economic growth; it is also about honoring the legacy of Pennsylvania's energy industry. "Pennsylvania’s energy industry created good jobs and lifted people out of poverty," Shapiro said. "It powered the middle class, and allowed folks like you to put food on the table of your families, earn a great wage, and has helped lead to the creation of the modern-day American labor movement."

The plan is supported by a robust, highly skilled workforce represented by IAM Local 1400 (District 98). The union's members have played a crucial role in the success of the Voith Hydro plant, which has seen over $20 million in upgrades in recent years. With the help of the IAM, Voith secured a nearly $6 million grant for these upgrades from the Inflation Reduction Act. Kermit Forbes, Jr., IAM District 98 Assistant Directing Business Representative, highlighted the importance of these union jobs: "These members know that union jobs here are key to manufacturing in America, and they want to keep those strong middle class jobs here and create more."

The demand for energy generation and storage is growing rapidly, driven by the rise of computer data centers, artificial intelligence, and other energy-intensive industries. This increasing demand challenges our current energy generation capacity, making the role of dedicated, skilled workers like those at IAM Local 1400 more critical than ever. David Sullivan, IAM Eastern Territory General Vice President, emphasized this point: "Dedicated, skilled workers like our members at IAM Local 1400 are critical to staying ahead of America’s growing need for energy."

The "Lightning Plan" includes several key components designed to transform Pennsylvania's energy production landscape. These include tax incentives for new energy projects, streamlined permitting processes, and increased rebates for energy-efficient appliances. The plan also proposes the creation of the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition Board to fast-track siting decisions for energy projects, a crucial step as Pennsylvania is one of just 12 states without such an entity.

The plan's impact on communities like York, where manufacturing is a way of life, is expected to be transformative. Kevin Schreiber, president and CEO of the York County Economic Alliance, highlighted the plan's potential to attract new investments and stimulate job creation. "The plan will attract new investments and stimulate job creation by prioritizing sustainable energy production and modernizing tax and other incentives, ensuring that advanced manufacturing remains a cornerstone of local economies," he said.

In summary, Governor Shapiro's "Lightning Plan" is a comprehensive and forward-thinking initiative that aims to secure Pennsylvania's energy future while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth. By leveraging the state's rich energy history and investing in next-generation energy projects, Pennsylvania is poised to remain a national energy leader for decades to come.