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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 16, 2014 09:57 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Pam Snyder |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Coal Fired Electric Generation Deactivation Commission |
| Over the last five years, we have witnessed the deactivation of a record number of Pennsylvania based coal fired electric generation facilities due to several factors which include a decrease in demand for electricity, an abundant supply of natural gas and increased operating costs resulting from the EPA’s new clean air regulations. However, PJM only has oversight of the deactivation of coal fired generation facilities if it would adversely impact electric grid reliability and PJM only requires 90 days’ notice when a generator decides to deactivate. Unfortunately, there is no requirement to provide similar notification to the employees whose livelihoods are forever impacted by the decision to deactivate. Currently, there is no local, state or federal government agency assigned to assess the fiscal, environmental, economic, and community impacts associated with the deactivation of coal fired electric generation facilities operating in this Commonwealth. Because PJM’s oversight of the deactivation process is limited to the preservation of grid reliability, many critical issues are not fully vetted or addressed by any local or state governments prior to deactivation. Owners of these generating facilities can simply power down and lock their doors with no clear cut responsibilities, consequences or repercussions for the disorder they have inflicted on the lives of their employees, the surrounding community and these now abandoned facilities. In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to establish the Coal Fired Electric Generation Deactivation Commission which will be charged with reviewing and investigating the potentially adverse impacts on the economy, electric reliability, and the environment associated with the deactivation of coal fired electric generation power plants operating in the Commonwealth. The Commission, after providing an opportunity for state and local government officials, affected employees, business owners, and other stakeholders to participate in the public hearing process, would be required to render final decisions concerning the deactivation, cleanup and remediation of coal fired electric generation power plants statewide. This legislation also provides employee protections such as minimum requirements for severance payments and the continuation of health care benefits. Finally this legislation would require the owner to remediate the facility and the surrounding area in order to receive approval to deactivate. We as elected officials have the responsibility to “keep the lights on” but we also have a responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of this Commonwealth. And I believe that includes state oversight of Pennsylvania based coal-fired electric generation facility deactivations. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. |
Introduced as HB2030