Taking Stock of the 2015-16 Legislative Session - Historic Attacks and Lost Opportunities

The 2015‑2016 session of the Pennsylvania General Assembly saw an unprecedented number of attacks on the environment. Lawmakers attempted to roll back oil and gas regulations, delay implementation of the Clean Power Plan, and strip local communities of the power to protect themselves from industrial facilities.

While these attacks dominated the agenda, opportunities to invest in clean energy, modernize our transportation infrastructure, or expand protections for public lands were largely ignored. Bills that could have expanded net metering or supported solar growth never made it out of committee.

Despite these setbacks, PennFuture and its allies fought to defend key safeguards and mobilized citizens to speak out. As we enter a new session we will continue to press for policies that confront climate change, support renewable energy, and safeguard the health and well‑being of all Pennsylvanians.