HB 501 PRESS Testimony by Patrick McDonnell

PRESS offers a transformative approach to energy generation, which will promote the robust development of a clean energy economy while enhancing affordability for residents.

House Environment committee nearing on Hb 501
(PRESS), Monday, May 19, 2025: Testimony by
Pennruture President & CEO Patrick McDonnell

Good morning, Chairman Matzie, Chairman Metzgar, and Members of the committee, and thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony on the important issues contained in House Bill 501.

As you know, my name is Patrick McDonnell, and I am the President & CEO of PennFuture.

PennFuture is a statewide environmental advocacy organization with a simple mission: to protect our air, water, and land, and to empower Pennsylvanians to build a clean energy future. We are a voice for the environment, for clean energy, and for a healthy future.

We are here today to speak in support of HB 501, legislation that would update and expand the alternative energy portfolio standards in Pennsylvania.

This legislation is a critical step forward for our state. It would help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to climate change. It would also help to create new jobs in the clean energy sector, and to make our energy grid more reliable.

The alternative energy portfolio standards were first enacted in 2004. At that time, they were a landmark piece of legislation. They helped to spur the growth of the renewable energy industry in Pennsylvania, and they helped to make our state a leader in the transition to clean energy.

However, in the years since the standards were first enacted, much has changed. The clean energy sector has grown and matured, and new technologies have emerged. The standards need to be updated to reflect these changes.

HB 501 would do exactly that. It would increase the percentage of electricity that must be generated from alternative energy sources. It would also create a new carve-out for solar energy, which is one of the fastest-growing and most promising sources of clean energy.

In addition, HB 501 would help to make our energy grid more reliable. It would do this by encouraging the development of distributed generation, which is energy that is generated close to where it is consumed. This helps to reduce the strain on the power grid, and it makes the grid less vulnerable to outages.

Finally, HB 501 would help to create new jobs in the clean energy sector. The clean energy industry is already a major employer in Pennsylvania, and HB 501 would help to grow this industry even further.

In conclusion, I urge you to support HB 501. This legislation is a critical step forward for our state. It would help to protect our environment, create new jobs, and make our energy grid more reliable.

Thank you again for the opportunity to provide testimony. I am happy to answer any questions you may have.