PRINTER'S NO. 76
No. 9 Session of 1977
INTRODUCED BY B. F. O'BRIEN, F. TAYLOR, GOODMAN,
J. L. WRIGHT JR., C. GEORGE, DOMBROWSKI, BURNS, LEHR,
SCHWEDER, WANSACZ, McLANE, McCALL, GATSKI AND MUSTO,
JANUARY 17, 1977
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON MINES AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT,
JANUARY 19, 1977
In the House of Representatives, January 17, 1977
1 WHEREAS, Increases in the cost of gas, oil and electricity
2 have been astronomical in recent months. Utilities producing
3 electrical power allege that increases in the expense involved
4 in the production of power, particularly the cost of coal, is
5 the cause; and
6 WHEREAS, Sharply rising prices in the natural gas and
7 petroleum industry is creating havoc with many households;
8 therefore be it
9 RESOLVED, That the Speaker of the House of Representatives
10 direct the Mines and Energy Management Committee to investigate
11 the matter to determine whether the allegation of the electrical
12 utilities is correct and, if so, what legislative action, or
13 otherwise, it recommends to alleviate the condition; to
14 determine the reason for the sharply rising cost of natural gas
15 and oil; and be it further
16 RESOLVED, That the committee may hold hearings, take
1 testimony, and make its investigation at such places as it deems
2 necessary within this Commonwealth. It may issue subpoenas under
3 the hand and seal of its chairman commaning any person to appear
4 before it and to answer questions touching matters properly
5 being inquired into by the committee and to produce such books,
6 papers, records and documents as the committee deems necessary.
7 Such subpoenas may be served upon any person and shall have the
8 force and effect of subpoenas issued out of the courts of this
9 Commonwealth. Any person who willfully neglects or refuses to
10 testify before the committee or to produce any books, papers,
11 records or documents, shall be subject to the penalties provided
12 by the laws of the Commonwealth in such case. Each member of the
13 committee shall have power to administer oaths and affirmations
14 to witnesses appearing before the committee.
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