Pennsylvania's Environmental and Energy Events: What You Need to Know

Pennsylvania is buzzing with environmental and energy-related activities. The state's Senate and House have packed schedules for 2025 and 2026, with numerous voting and committee meetings planned. These sessions will tackle important issues, including budget discussions and environmental regulations. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hosting several key meetings. On December 17, there will be hearings on air quality permits for various facilities, including a natural gas power plant in Lackawanna County and another in Northampton County aiming to attract an AI data center project. These hearings are crucial for understanding the environmental impact of these projects. The Environmental Quality Board is also making moves. They've accepted a petition to study increasing setback safety zones from shale gas wells. This could mean more protection for homes, schools, and streams near drilling sites. Meanwhile, Senator Yaw has proposed a bill to subsidize natural gas power plants to meet the energy demands of AI data centers, continuing the state's "one of the above" energy policy. Environmental groups are active too. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation highlights the persistent dead zone in the Chesapeake Bay, underscoring pollution problems. Penn State Hershey researchers have found a link between skin cancer rates and herbicide use in farming areas. These findings emphasize the need for continued environmental vigilance. AI data centers are a hot topic. Communities like Mayfield Boro and Springdale are holding hearings and gatherings to discuss the potential impact of these centers. Rising electricity bills are also under scrutiny, with state officials looking into the issue but offering little relief for ratepayers. On the national front, the US Energy Information Administration predicts a record high in power use for 2025 and 2026, with natural gas generation expected to slide slightly while renewables increase. This shift could have significant implications for Pennsylvania, a major producer of natural gas. In Pennsylvania politics, the spending of opioid settlement funds is facing scrutiny. A new documentary reveals faults in the state's system to protect older adults from abuse and neglect. Governor Shapiro and Utah's governor recently discussed polarization and political violence at the National Cathedral. Voter turnout in Pennsylvania topped 42% in the November election, showing strong civic engagement. However, expiring federal health insurance subsidies have prompted thousands to drop insurance in the state. This issue, along with others, highlights the interconnectedness of environmental, energy, and political matters in Pennsylvania.