Today, on March 11, 2025, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced the legislative framework for the proposed six-part Pennsylvanian energy Lightning Plan. This plan includes the reintroduction of clean energy solutions such as the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) and the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction (PACER) Initiative. Additionally, the Lightning Plan reforms the Act 129 energy efficiency and conservation program, supports the development of community energy, expands the 2022 Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) Tax Credit Program, and creates a Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition (RESET) Board.

In response, Carolyn Heckman, Associate Director of Pennsylvania Policy for EEN Action–the 501(c)(4) partner of the Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN)–released the following statement: 

“As concerns over PJM energy capacity and cost are at an all-time high, the Lightning Plan addresses the energy issues and cost burdens that commonwealth residents are currently facing and promises to deliver economic benefits to Pennsylvania families, ratepayers, frontline communities, farmers, and energy workers alike. To reliably meet Pennsylvania’s rising energy demands, our grid needs to be modernized and diversified with clean energy. Diversifying our grid not only enhances our energy security but also defends our children’s health by reducing harmful air pollutants and carbon emissions. This is why over 32,000 evangelical Pennsylvanians gave their support for an expanded Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) like PRESS last year. We thank Governor Shapiro for his leadership and look forward to working with him and the legislature to make this framework as strong as possible to secure a safe and healthy future for all Pennsylvanians. We urge the legislature to work together to ensure Pennsylvania remains an energy leader while also caring for our neighbor and all of God’s children.”