Bill > SB187

This bill establishes the Independent Energy Office (IEO) as a nonpartisan, independent agency within Pennsylvania's state government. The office will be led by a director appointed by a committee composed of key legislative leaders and committee chairs, who will serve a six-year term and can be removed by concurrent resolution. The IEO will have mandatory duties including planning energy recommendations across multiple energy technologies (such as coal, natural gas, solar, wind, and nuclear), analyzing energy-related policies and regulations, providing statewide energy reports to the General Assembly, and formulating energy efficiency initiatives. Optional duties include conducting independent energy policy studies, tracking energy use and production statistics, and working with the General Assembly to develop a statewide energy plan. The office will have broad powers to request information from other state agencies and will be funded by an annual allocation of $1,250,000 from the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund, beginning July 1, 2025. The director will have the authority to hire personnel based on merit, not political affiliation, and can engage experts and consultants as needed. The bill aims to create a dedicated, objective energy planning and analysis resource for Pennsylvania, with the office classified as a legislative agency for transparency and records management purposes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=187