The House Resolution introduced by Representatives Steele and others on June 6, 2025, directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study on the feasibility of placing electrical and utility lines underground in Pennsylvania. This initiative arises from the increasing frequency of extreme weather events that have led to significant financial impacts on homeowners and utility customers, with disaster costs reaching up to $5 billion in recent years. The resolution highlights that tree-related outages have been a major cause of power disruptions, and Pennsylvania ranks fifth in the nation for weather-related outages, emphasizing the need for a more resilient electrical infrastructure.

The study mandated by the resolution will assess various factors related to the underground installation of electrical lines, including costs, viability, geographic and topographic limitations, as well as right-of-way and land usage issues. The Joint State Government Commission is required to consult with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission during this process and must submit a report detailing their findings to the Speaker of the House and the members of the House Consumer Protection, Technology, and Utilities Committee within one year of the resolution's adoption.