 |
|
|
| |
| |
| Capitol Report |
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
|
The latest news from the State Capitol
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unattended account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
|
My Legislation to Reduce Your Electricity Prices – Almost Immediately!
During the State of the Union, the President made clear that large technology companies must take responsibility for the power they consume. The message was simple: if you are going to build massive data centers, you must help build the electricity and infrastructure to support them. And let me now explain how I intend to leverage this moment to reduce your electricity prices, almost immediately!
If you have been a conscientious fan of this e-newsletter, you know I have been writing about this for months. I sit on the executive committee of the National Council of Electricity Policy, the Energy Supply Task Force of the National Conference of State Legislators, and on a committee of PJM region legislators, each trying to balance the electricity problem of hyper-scale data center buildout and ratepayer protection. I have written to you previously that I favor a Bring-Your-Own-Generation and Pay-Your-Own-Way model.
We learned that is exactly what the U.S. Department of Energy intends. The announcement came in two pieces: (1) a Ratepayer Protection Pledge, and (2) big tech companies providing their own electricity generation, rather than taking from the pool of electricity currently in the consumer market.
While the details were not in the speech, we know that the Ratepayer Protection Pledge essentially commits the large-tech companies to paying for their need for new energy infrastructure rather than passing those costs to ratepayers. For example, when our local utility builds connecting infrastructure to a new location, there is almost always a cost component which we ratepayers absorb. The Ratepayer Protection Plan would make sure those costs do not hit our wallets, instead making the hyper-scale data companies pay their costs entirely. That system already exists in several states where hyper-scale data centers and hyper-scale generation have agreed-to, planned buildouts.
The second component is Bring Your Own Generation, which we have discussed several times here. Rather than drawing from the existing public grid, these large customers are expected to construct their own electricity generation facilities (or restart dormant facilities, as is the case with TMI). Recall the economics we have discussed: if hyper-scalers draw from our existing power pool, especially by way of decades-long agreements, they quickly consume much of the electricity currently intended for ratepayers and small businesses. The result is an enormous price increase for that scarce supply. That is the chief reason our prices are high now; hyper-scalers have entered those long-term contracts for the current power supply. The market quickly responded with huge price increases. By forcing these hyper-scalers to provide their own electricity, not only would we no longer compete with them for a limited power supply, but they will also certainly produce more than they need. That means the pendulum of available supply swings the other direction: prices fall substantially.
HERE IS THE CATCH: NOT ALL OF THIS MAY BE ACCOMPLISHED BY FEDERAL ACTION. There are components of state law involved here.
I am about to introduce legislation which will do three things in Pennsylvania:
1. Codify the Ratepayer Protection Plan in state law;
2. Require Big Tech or hyper-scale data centers to Bring Their Own Generation; and
3. Require our local utilities to enter into long-term power purchase agreements now, before Big Tech buys more of our power.
I will provide a fuller explanation next week, but as I have written previously, we are competing for limited power with Big Tech right now. The merchant generators of Pennsylvania prefer these long-term agreements, because it mitigates price volatility and guarantees a revenue stream. So, I intend to put ratepayers on an immediate equal footing, where we get the benefit of price mitigation and guaranteed power supply. The outcome is an immediate price reduction. The combination of Pay Your Own Way, Bring Your Own Generation and long-term power agreements for ratepayers will change the forecasted electricity needs in our PJM region almost immediately.
The partisan bill advanced out of the House Energy Committee recently, which we discussed here previously, dealt only with ratepayer protection among these three issues. They did not try to solve the economics of available power supply; in fact, the bill made those economics far worse.
This bill is a real solution.
|
Monroe Energy Expands Community Office Hours
Monroe Energy Pipeline Company is expanding community office hours in response to the leak at the Chelsea Tank Farm.
Office hours were initially offered in Aston Township and are now available in Upper Chichester Township and Bethel Township following requests from residents for additional access and information.
Beginning Friday, March 20, Monroe Energy personnel will meet with residents at the Myers Building on the Bethel Township campus from noon to 8 p.m. on the third Friday of each month. Morning office hours will also be available at the Upper Chichester Township Building beginning March 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month.
In a report released February 24, 2026, Monroe Energy stated that approximately 5,000 additional gallons have been recovered through remediation efforts.
I will continue to share updates with you as more information becomes available.
|
Construction Continues at U.S. 202 and Route 926 Intersection
PennDOT will continue roadway construction at the intersection of U.S. 202 (Wilmington Pike) and Route 926 (Street Road) in Thornbury and Westtown townships under a $2.9 million safety improvement project.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday, March 2, through Friday, March 20, a weekday lane closure with flagging will be in place at the intersection.
PennDOT’s contractor will install a new southbound right-turn deceleration lane on U.S. 202 at Route 926. Crews will also add an additional eastbound left-turn lane on Route 926, creating a double left-turn configuration approaching U.S. 202.
The project includes signal upgrades, ADA curb ramp improvements and milling and paving operations.
PennDOT will monitor the impact of construction on The Westtown Inn, which sits in the northwest quadrant of the intersection and is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.
|
State Police Seek Applicants for Law and Leadership Academy
The Pennsylvania State Police is accepting applications for the 2026 Law and Leadership Academy.
This free 15-week program is open to individuals age 18 or older who have earned a high school diploma or GED and are interested in a career in law enforcement.
Participants meet twice a week from May through August, with occasional Saturday sessions. The program includes educational instruction and physical fitness training modeled after the State Police Academy, including running, swimming and marching in a structured environment.
More information is available here. The application deadline is April 3.
|
Report Potholes to PennDOT
Winter leaves its mark on our roads, and potholes are already appearing across the district.
If you encounter a pothole on a state road, report it directly to PennDOT by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD or submitting a report online.(should they call your office instead) When you file a report, include the county, municipality, road name and nearest intersection so crews can locate the issue quickly.
I stay in regular contact with PennDOT about roadway conditions throughout our district. My office raises concerns about recurring problem areas, monitors repairs and presses for long-term improvements where needed. When residents report issues promptly, it strengthens our case and helps accelerate repairs.
|
Updated Handicap Placard Application Requirements
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles is updating its handicap placard application process.
The Bureau will soon require use of only the June 2025 version of the placard application. All prior versions will become obsolete and will no longer be accepted.
The Bureau is contacting medical offices directly to notify them of this change. I encourage local medical providers and staff who assist patients with placard applications to confirm that they are using the current June 2025 form before submitting paperwork.
Using an outdated version of the application after the change takes effect will result in rejection and delay.
If the Bureau provides a specific effective date for this update, I will share that information with the community promptly.
|
Around the District
Concord Township Scholarship Opportunity
Concord Township is accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship Award.
The application deadline is March 20, 2026. The scholarship is open to graduating high school seniors who reside in Concord Township.
Township officials will select recipients based on demonstrated leadership, community service and a short essay submission. Concord Township will award four $1,000 scholarships.
Applicants should submit materials electronically when possible by emailing Township Manager Amanda Serock at office@concordtownship.org. Applications may also be mailed to Concord Township, 43 Thornton Road, Glen Mills, PA 19342, Attn: Township Manager.
The application is available here.
Westtown Township History Lecture
The Westtown Township Historical Commission will host a presentation titled “Angelic Troublemaker Bayard Rustin,” highlighting the life and legacy of civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, a close adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Local historian Dave Walter will lead the discussion.
The lecture will take place on February 28 at 10 a.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Walkable Chadds Ford Project Update
Construction continues on the Walkable Chadds Ford trail project, and the Turner’s Mill Park Pavilion and Playground areas will remain closed while work progresses.
Weekday lane closures may occur on Baltimore Pike (U.S. 1) between Ring Road and Creek Road from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. as crews complete improvements associated with the trail project.
This project will enhance pedestrian access and strengthen connections throughout the community. I will continue to share updates as construction advances and the Pavilion and Playground prepare to reopen.
WALKABLE CHADDS FORD TRAIL PROJECT UPDATE
|
Bravo Zulu
*The BZ pennants are hoisted as a part of Navy/Marine Corps custom to communicate “GOOD JOB!”
Garnet Valley High School Mock Trial Team Wins First Case
Congratulations to the Garnet Valley High School Mock Trial team on winning its first case in just its second competition.
Students competed in a simulated courtroom trial at the Delaware County Courthouse, where they presented arguments and examined witnesses before a panel of judges. Their preparation and courtroom skills earned them the victory.
Well done to these young men and women on this impressive achievement.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Garnet Valley Mock Trial
Unionville High School Robotics Wins U.S. Governors Cup
Congratulations to the young men and women of the Unionville High School Robotics team on winning the U.S. Governors Cup.
After months of design, testing and competition, the team brought the Governors Cup home.
The entire team represented our community with excellence.
Photo Credit: Facebook
Rustin Track and Field Alumni Compete in Big Ten Championships
Best wishes to Rustin track and field alumni Ellie Keefer, Lucas Band and Ava Alexander as they compete in the Big Ten Championships this weekend.
Ellie Keefer is a junior at the University of Maryland and competes in mid-distance and distance events. Lucas Band is a freshman jumper at Penn State. Ava Alexander is a sophomore sprinter and hurdler at the University of Kentucky.
We look forward to following their performances on a national stage.
Photo Credit: Instagram
Graduate’s List
University of Mississippi Dean’s and Chancellor’s Honor Roll
Gia DeMichele, Allied Health Studies
Rex Opdahl, Mechanical Engineering
Gabriella Gerace, Marketing
Abagail Ryna, Biochemistry
Ella Hambleton, Communication Sciences & Disorders
Elise Volkman, Freshman Studies
Commonwealth University Graduate
Emma Williams, Sport Management
|
|
| Office Locations |
| District Office: |
| One Beaver Valley Road | (intersection of Route 202 & Naamans Creek Road) Chadds Ford, PA 19317-9012 | Phone (610) 358-5925 | FAX: 610-358-5933 |
| Capitol Office: |
| 3 East Wing, P.O. Box 202160, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2160 | Phone: 717-783-3038 | FAX: 717-787-7604 |
| |
|
|
.jpg)
