Elizabeth Fiedler
Coverage of Elizabeth Fiedler in the Nexus archive.
- Advanced electricity transmission tech could cut costs for consumers, advocates say
Advanced transmission technologies (ATT) aim to reduce electricity loss and costs by improving grid efficiency. A Pennsylvania bill (House Bill 2223) would require utilities to assess ATT deployment before approving new power lines, supported by advocates like Jenny Netherton and Doug Pietrucha. The legislation seeks to prolong existing infrastructure and address rising electricity costs driven by data centers and electrification.
- Pa. House passes $1.7B tax cut on electricity, reins in utility company profits
The Pennsylvania House passed a $1.7 billion tax cut on electricity, capping utility company profits and eliminating a 6% gross receipts tax on electricity. The bill, HB 2224, aims to lower utility bills for consumers by establishing a formula for a 'reasonable return' on utility investments and introducing a competitive equity auction process.
- Pa. House votes to fund property tax cut for seniors with a levy targeting big tech companies
The Pennsylvania House voted to tax digital advertising revenue from tech companies to fund property tax rebates for seniors. The bipartisan 139-63 vote expands a 5% gross receipts tax, targeting firms like Meta and Google, with projected revenue of $329 million by 2026-2027. Critics argue the tax could harm businesses or drive companies out of the state.
- Lawmakers consider Pa. heat protections as temperatures climb
Lawmakers in Pennsylvania are considering heat protections for workers as rising temperatures linked to climate change increase heat-related risks. A proposed bill, House Bill 1580, would require heat safety regulations for days with a heat index of 80 or higher, but it has not advanced to a vote. Neighboring Maryland has implemented its own standards, while federal heat regulations remain under consideration.