|
||||
|
In this Update:
Coffee with Camera in Monongahela
The priorities I represent in Harrisburg are a result of conversations I have shared with residents throughout the district and knowing what matters to people helps me most effectively vote on their behalf. I am inviting residents of the 46th Senatorial District to participate in state-related coffee chat this Thursday, March 19 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the Mon Valley Alliance Business Resource Center in Monongahela located at 235 West Main Street. Coffee and refreshments are provided and registration is not required. Monongahela Receives Grant to Expand Life-Saving AED Access
*Picture is courtesy of City of Monongahela I was pleased to see the City of Monongahela receive a 2025 Washington County Local Share Account grant to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all municipal vehicles and to provide city staff with training on how to properly use them. These improvements will help ensure that first responders and city personnel are prepared to act quickly during emergencies and provide life-saving assistance when it matters most. I want to thank the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington for helping make this project possible, including Executive Director Robert Griffin and Community Development Specialist Johanna Burdine. I also appreciate the continued leadership of Washington County Commissioners Nick Sherman, Electra Janis, and Larry Maggi, as well as State Representative Andrew Kuzma. Investments like this strengthen public safety and help communities like Monongahela better protect residents when every second counts. Meeting with Landowners to Discuss the Future of Natural Gas in Pennsylvania
I recently had the opportunity to meet with the Landowners United group for a thoughtful discussion about the current state of the natural gas industry and what the future may hold for Pennsylvania. Conversations like this are important because our region continues to play a vital role in powering homes and businesses across the country. Southwestern Pennsylvania remains at the center of natural gas production. In fact, four of the top seven natural gas-producing townships in the Commonwealth are located in Washington and Greene counties. The industry continues to deliver significant benefits locally as well – last year alone, the Impact Fee on unconventional natural gas wells generated more than $13 million for Washington County and its municipalities. During our conversation, I also discussed Act 56 of 2024, my legislation that now allows mineral owners to claim a depletion allowance on both their state and federal taxes. I appreciate Bill Black of Hopewell Township for bringing this issue to my attention, as the change will help ensure Pennsylvania landowners can keep more of the revenue generated from resources beneath their property. Thank you to Donna Seaver for organizing the gathering and to Shady Elms Kitchen for providing such a welcoming space for our discussion. Grant for Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Planning in Washington County
A $193,493 state grant was awarded to Natural Streams Foundation, Inc. to support the initial planning work for an abandoned mine land reclamation project in Smith Township, Washington County. The grant is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Abandoned Mine Land and Abandoned Mine Drainage Grant Program, which recently awarded funding for 15 environmental restoration projects across the state. The funding will support engineering design and permitting work needed to begin removing more than 250,000 cubic yards of coal refuse from a nearly five-acre site in the township. Projects like this are an important step in restoring land affected by historic mining. This funding enables essential planning so the site can be reclaimed, improving environmental conditions and supporting safer, more productive land use. Pennsylvania has the largest inventory of abandoned coal mines in the nation. Funding for the program comes through Pennsylvania’s federally supported Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program. Senate Acts to Address Electric Generation Shortfall, Expand Energy Development
Reliable and affordable electricity is a fundamental need for families and the businesses that provide their jobs. The Senate recently passed legislation to streamline energy generation projects and preserve the reliability of our region’s power grid. Senate Bill 704 directs the state departments of Community and Economic Development and Environmental Protection to work together to identify suitable sites for natural gas electric generation projects. The goal is to address electricity generation shortages in the PJM power grid and attract investment by speeding up site preparation. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Other measures we passed to promote access to affordable energy prevented the creation of a new electricity tax and would authorize creation of a Pennsylvania Independent Energy Office to ensure a more cohesive strategy for managing energy resources. Measure to Speed Up Plugging of Abandoned Wells Approved by Senate
There are an estimated 350,000 abandoned oil and gas wells statewide posing safety and environmental risks. The Senate approved legislation to streamline plugging operations, eliminating uncertainty and accelerating cleanup efforts. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requires well pluggers to clean out a well to its total depth before plugging. Senate Bill 712 removes longstanding roadblocks by defining what constitutes a reasonable effort to reach the attainable bottom of a well, eliminating ambiguity that has led to costly delays. This clarity will help Pennsylvania fully leverage nearly $400 million in federal funding to plug more wells in less time. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Poultry Owners Urged to Continue Efforts to Combat Avian Influenza
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is reminding poultry owners – backyard flock owners and commercial producers – to continue taking steps to protect their birds from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Since the current outbreak began in 2022, Pennsylvania has lost more than 14.3 million birds, with approximately half of these lost since the beginning of 2026. Steps to reduce HPAI risk include:
Poultry owners should report sick birds or unexplained deaths to 717-772-2852. Anyone encountering sick or dead wild birds should contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD. You can find more information here. Next Commonwealth Vehicle Auction is April 14
Used commonwealth fleet vehicle auctions featuring more than 200 vehicles are open to the public, including dealers. The next auction is April 14. The auctions are conducted at the Manheim Keystone Pennsylvania Auto Auction, 488 Firehouse Road in Grantville, Dauphin County. Auctions begin at 10 a.m. and prospective buyers should register on the Saturday, Sunday or Monday before the sale. There is no registration on sale day. You can see what was sold at prior auctions and the most updated offerings, along with registration information and more here. Additional information, including payment options, can be found in the auction policies or by calling 717-469-7900 Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Nearly two million Pennsylvanians proudly claim Irish ancestry, reflecting generations of families, workers and community leaders who helped shape our commonwealth’s heritage. Whether you’re Irish or Irish-for-a-day, I hope you enjoy St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorbartolotta.com | Privacy Policy |
