For hundreds of years, Pennsylvania has led the nation in building energy infrastructure.  But today we’re falling behind. Too often, red tape makes it harder to get large-scale reliable energy projects built in Pennsylvania than in our neighboring states—we are one of only a handful of states that do not have a central siting authority to facilitate development of large-scale projects.  It’s time to build big things again in Pennsylvania. 
 
That is why I am introducing a game-changing element of the Governor’s Lightning Plan: the Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition (RESET) Board.  The Board would for the first time give Pennsylvania a cohesive central authority able to consider and approve applications for large reliable energy generating facilities.
 
Eligible projects include reliable energy facilities that provide more than 25 megawatts of power.  Projects that receive RESET Board approval would be able to quickly begin construction, speeding up development timelines and greatly improving the certainty that investors need.  This “one-stop-shop” approach has proven successful in other states by making it easier for developers to get their projects built.
 
Without a central siting authority, Pennsylvania is losing out on eligible investments.  This legislation creates a new pathway to speed up eligible projects while recognizing the need for community engagement and other prerequisites for project success.  Further, RESET approval is totally optional for new projects—not a new requirement for construction. Projects can opt to apply to the RESET Board for expedited approval or can stick with the current procedures in place today—it's their choice.
 
RESET will unlock the next generation of energy development and investment in Pennsylvania.  Please join me in supporting this initiative to get steel in the ground, create new jobs, and help surge new electrons to our grid for years and decades to come.