Pennsylvania has a rich and influential history in energy production, serving as the birthplace and backbone of America's energy industry. The state made global headlines in 1859 with the drilling of America’s first successful commercial oil well in Titusville, marking the dawn of the modern petroleum industry. Pennsylvania’s vast reserves of coal, especially anthracite and bituminous, powered the nation’s factories, railroads, and electric plants for over a century. Today, with its nuclear power production and continued development of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale, Pennsylvania remains a key player in the evolving landscape of American energy.
 
Almost twenty years ago, Pennsylvania adopted an Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) which encourages the use of new and innovative energy technologies in the Commonwealth.  Today, Pennsylvania has an opportunity to lead again in new energy development and advanced manufacturing by adding linear generators to AEPS.
 
Linear generators are a new form of energy generation that began commercial deployment in recent years.  They are a highly efficient and ultra-low emissions way to produce electricity. They utilize power electronics to control the prime mover and maximize efficient electric production.  Linear generators can operate on any gaseous fuel, including renewable fuels like hydrogen, ammonia and biogas.  They are fully dispatchable and can ramp up and down to follow load.  Moreover, they do not require a flame or spark, so their local air quality emissions of NOx, SOx and particulate matter are at trace levels.
 
I will shortly introduce companion legislation to SB 699, put forward by Senators Robinson and Costa, that will add linear generators to the list of eligible technologies for the AEPS, which will further diversify our energy sources, increase electric reliability and resiliency, reduce costs through competition and choice, and reduce local air emissions.  Additionally, it will increase economic activity and create jobs in Pennsylvania.
 
Demand on our energy grid has soared in recent years, driven by the growth of data centers, industrial growth, electric vehicles, and member states of PJM becoming more reliant on our energy production.  Expanding our sources of energy by adding linear generators will help to meet the current and future energy needs of the Commonwealth. 
 
A leading linear generator company has sights on manufacturing linear generators in Allegheny County, which could bring approximately 600 high-tech manufacturing jobs.  However, Pennsylvania should not be satisfied by simply building this technology. It should also deploy it to maximize electric reliability, affordability and reduced emissions.
 
I hope that you will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.