PRINTER'S NO. 1147
No. 100 Session of 2001
INTRODUCED BY GANNON, MARCH 14, 2001
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON RULES, MARCH 14, 2001
A RESOLUTION
1 Directing the Judiciary Committee to hold public hearings on
2 energy prices.
3 WHEREAS, The citizens of this Commonwealth are dependent upon
4 energy sources for comfortable and productive lives; and
5 WHEREAS, Energy prices across this Commonwealth have
6 fluctuated dramatically over the course of the past year; and
7 WHEREAS, The causes of these dramatic energy price
8 fluctuations are not readily apparent to the citizens of this
9 Commonwealth; and
10 WHEREAS, There is growing concern among the citizens of this
11 Commonwealth for answers regarding the causes of dramatic
12 fluctuations in the price of energy; therefore be it
13 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the
14 Judiciary Committee to hold public hearings to study the
15 availability, supply and price of energy provided from any
16 source, including Philadelphia Gas Works and the Philadelphia
17 Gas Commission, including any price hikes occurring during any
1 12-month period during the years 1999, 2000 and/or 2001 of more
2 than 50% to Pennsylvania consumers to determine whether any
3 Federal or State statutes have been violated and to make
4 possible legislative recommendations in connection with these
5 findings; and be it further
6 RESOLVED, That the expenses incurred by the committee in
7 carrying out its responsibilities, including per diem and travel
8 expenses incurred by members and regular staff, expenses for
9 stenographic records and incidental expenses, be paid from
10 appropriate accounts under the control of the Chief Clerk and be
11 in addition to any other amount authorized by the Majority
12 Leader for expenses for contractors, consultants, investigators
13 and staff; and be it further
14 RESOLVED, That the committee may hold hearings, take
15 testimony and make its investigations at such places as it deems
16 necessary in this Commonwealth. It may issue subpoenas under the
17 hand and seal of its chairman commanding any person to appear
18 before the committee and to answer questions touching matters
19 properly being inquired into by the committee and to produce
20 such books, papers, records, documents and other tangible things
21 as the committee deems necessary. The subpoenas may be served
22 upon any person and shall have the same effect as subpoenas
23 issued out of the courts of this Commonwealth. Any person who
24 willfully neglects or refuses to testify before the committee or
25 to produce any books, papers, records, documents or other
26 tangible things shall be subject to the penalties provided by
27 the laws of this Commonwealth in such case. Each member of the
28 committee shall have power to administer oaths and affirmations
29 to witnesses appearing before the committee; and be it further
30 RESOLVED, That committee report to the House of
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1 Representatives on its activities, findings and recommendations;
2 and be it further
3 RESOLVED, That the chairman, with the report of the
4 committee, cause a record of all expenses incurred by the
5 committee or the members thereof which are payable at
6 Commonwealth expense to be filed with the Chief Clerk.
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