YORK, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro announced the launch of the “Lightning Plan” during a recent visit to Voith Hydro North America, a leading hydropower turbine manufacturer in York, Pennsylvania. The comprehensive energy strategy aims to position Pennsylvania as a national leader in energy innovation by boosting production, creating jobs, lowering costs, and expediting permitting processes for new energy projects.
“Pennsylvania has long been a national energy leader, from Ben Franklin to today, but right now, we’re letting other states outcompete us,” said Governor Shapiro. “This plan will power Pennsylvania forward with next-generation energy projects, reduce costs for consumers, and create good-paying jobs for our communities.”
The “Lightning Plan” focuses on several key initiatives, including an overhaul of the Pennsylvania EDGE tax credit program to attract investment in reliable energy sources, a new energy siting board to streamline the approval process for energy infrastructure, and a cap-and-invest program aimed at reducing carbon emissions. The plan also includes an emphasis on community energy projects to lower utility bills for rural and low-income areas while increasing incentives for energy-efficient appliances.
“This is about more than just energy; it’s about economic growth and ensuring Pennsylvania families see long-term benefits,” said Voith Hydro North America CEO Stanley Kocon. “Hydropower and clean energy represent opportunities to invest in Pennsylvania’s energy grid and secure our future.”
Supported by a coalition of business leaders, unions, environmental advocates, and lawmakers, the plan underscores a collaborative approach to addressing energy demands in the face of global instability and rising consumption. Organized labor representatives expressed optimism about the job creation potential, with Jim Enders, President of the Central Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council, commenting, “This plan puts working families at the center of Pennsylvania’s energy transition.”
The Governor also pointed to the plan’s ability to address utility costs and infrastructure needs at a critical time. “With energy demand rising and costs climbing, doing nothing is not an option,” Shapiro said. He noted that the strategic measures outlined in the plan could result in an estimated $11.4 billion in investments and $664 million in savings for consumers by 2040.
Looking ahead, the administration is preparing to introduce the Lightning Plan’s legislative components to the General Assembly in the coming weeks. Governor Shapiro emphasized the urgency of moving forward, saying, “The time for action is now. By harnessing our potential, we can ensure Pennsylvania remains an energy powerhouse for decades to come.”
With strong bipartisan support and widespread backing from both industry and community stakeholders, the Lightning Plan promises to pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable, and economically vibrant energy future for the Commonwealth.
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