The proper maintenance of trees and vegetation ensures that powerlines are safe and reduces power outages. As such, it is important that electric utilities regularly take preventative measures in trimming and even removing trees that are likely to cause power outages. At the same time, the loss of trees can prove detrimental to communities, and this harm must be mitigated wherever possible.
 
That is why I plan to introduce legislation that will allow cities and municipalities to work with electric utilities to ensure proper vegetation management but also require that electric utilities that cut down a tree must offer to plant a new tree in a location of the city or municipality’s choice. Upon a city or municipality’s acceptance of the agreement, the new tree would be planted within two years.
 
Please join me in co-sponsoring this important measure to guarantee that cities and municipalities throughout the state maintain their beauty by retaining their tree populations. As Pennsylvanians, we must work to preserve the presence of the awe-inspiring organisms for which this Commonwealth is named.