PA Headlines 10/28/21
2017 File Photo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — AP is reporting… State Senator Gene Yaw’s (R-23rd, Williamsport) energy bill is being debated… Pennsylvania’s state Senate on Wednesday approved legislation that would bar municipalities in the nation’s No. 2 natural gas state from adopting building codes that prohibit gas hookups or otherwise restricting utility service based on the energy source. The Republican-penned bill passed, 35-15, and heads to the state House of Representatives for consideration there. The chamber approved it without debate, with six Democrats joining all 29 Republicans in favor of it.
The bill defends a homegrown energy source in Pennsylvania as some states, cities and counties elsewhere begin looking at all-electric building codes that exclude gas infrastructure as a way to fight climate change and accelerate progress towards a carbon-free electricity grid. The vast Marcellus Shale reservoir beneath Pennsylvania is the nation’s most prolific natural gas reservoir, and the state has helped subsidize the build out of gas infrastructure to help the industry find new customers.
The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming, said the bill ensures the state controls any decision to restrict the use of an energy source in housing and commercial buildings. Combustion of natural gas emits carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, while natural gas contains methane, which is far more potent as a greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide, according to researchers.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — AP is reporting… The Pennsylvania House voted unanimously Wednesday to expand income eligibility limits for the state’s prescription drug subsidy program. The House voted 199-0 to approve the bill that would increase the maximum income for PACENET to $33,500 for single people and $41,500 for married couples. Officials say it would expand eligibility by about 100,000 people, although some 20,000-23,000 more seniors are expected to enroll. Those who recently applied but whose incomes were slightly too high would be automatically enrolled.
The bill would also eliminate the requirement that PACENET cardholders pay monthly premiums in a month when they do not receive any prescriptions. The sponsor, Rep. Wendi Thomas, R-Bucks, said federal money will fund the additional cost. Three years ago, the Legislature and governor raised the PACENET limits by $4,000, which was the first change in 15 years. PACENET and its companion program, PACE, are funded by the state lottery. The measure was sent to the state Senate for its consideration.
