Fiedler applauds bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s energy economy, looks forward to more from House Energy Committee
Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus February 6, 2026 | 1:03 PM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 6 - This week, the PA House passed two bills aimed at driving innovation and investment in Pennsylvania’s energy and manufacturing sectors, earning bipartisan support. One, an advanced clean manufacturing bill sponsored by House Energy Committee Chair Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Phila., and the other, a measure to reduce barriers for emerging nuclear technologies sponsored by Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila. are designed to strengthen the state’s clean energy economy.
Additionally, legislation requiring new warehouses to be built solar-ready, sponsored by Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, D-Berks, also advanced in the House this week.
“We face a looming energy crisis that could have life-changing impacts on the people of Pennsylvania,” Fiedler said. “We must act with urgency and rise to the moment, building on Pennsylvania’s historic role as an energy leader and innovator.”
Fiedler’s H.B. 1556 would incentivize the development of a clean manufacturing economy in PA by offering a tax credit of 30% of qualified production costs for an advanced clean manufacturing project. By covering operational costs, the tax credit would encourage companies to stay and grow in Pennsylvania.
An advanced clean manufacturing facility is defined as a site that produces clean steel, clean aluminum, clean cement, clean glass, electric grid modernization equipment, energy-efficient heat pumps and turbines, or hydrogen electrolyzers. With growing demand for these products, this legislation would position Pennsylvania to attract and retain modern manufacturers by fostering innovation and encouraging capital investment.
House Bill 2017 passed the House on Feb. 4 with a unanimous vote. If enacted, this bill would authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to reduce annual fees for small modular nuclear systems and microreactor systems.
Traditional nuclear generation currently provides nearly a third of Pennsylvania’s energy supply. While the upfront costs of conventional light-water reactors remain prohibitively high, small modular reactors and microreactors are smaller, more affordable, and easier to deploy in sites unsuitable for larger reactors -- offering nearly limitless potential to deliver clean energy to millions of Pennsylvanians.
By reducing barriers to next-generation nuclear technology, Pennsylvania can maintain a competitive edge as more than a dozen other states take legislative steps to support nuclear development, preserving the Commonwealth’s role as a national energy leader. The bill now awaits further action in the Senate.
House Bill 1260, known as the solar warehouses bill, advanced on second consideration on Wednesday, Feb. 4. If enacted, the bill would require newly constructed warehouses and distribution centers to be built to accommodate solar panels.
Installing solar on large-scale warehouses and distribution centers presents an opportunity to reduce electricity costs, create high-paying local jobs, and diversify Pennsylvania’s energy portfolio. Warehouses are particularly well-suited for solar because they are often located near existing electric transmission infrastructure, minimizing the need for costly new lines that would impact ratepayers. The bill must still receive final consideration by the House before moving to the Senate.
In the coming weeks, the House Energy Committee plans to hold hearings on advanced geothermal technologies and virtual power plants. Under Fiedler’s leadership, attracting innovation and establishing Pennsylvania as a leader in 21st-century energy technologies remains a top priority for the committee.