March 14 e-mail: The cleanest form of energy is the energy we don't use at all

Rep. Melissa Cerrato March 14, 2025

Dear Friends,

Recently, the House Energy Committee, of which I am a proud member, held a public hearing in Harrisburg to explore HB660 and learn from experts about its potential impacts.

Bipartisan House Bill 660, championed by Representatives Jenn O’Mara and Tom Mehaffie, is grounded in a compelling idea: the most affordable and cleanest form of energy is the energy we don't use at all.

By adopting energy efficiency standards for appliances, this legislation offers Pennsylvania a meaningful way to address climate change, reduce air pollution, conserve water resources, and save both consumers and businesses money on their utility bills.

The proposed legislation sets energy efficiency and water conservation standards for commercial and residential appliances sold in the Commonwealth. During the last session, an analysis revealed that these standards could:

Reduce climate pollution by an estimated 384 tons annually.
Conserve over 9 billion gallons of water.
Save consumers approximately $294 million per year.

The best part? These appliances are already on the market—competitively priced and readily available to Pennsylvania consumers and businesses today.

If you're shopping for energy-efficient appliances, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Look for the ENERGY STAR® label: This trusted certification indicates energy-efficient products independently tested to save energy without sacrificing performance.
Check the Energy Guide label: Most appliances in the U.S. come with a yellow Energy Guide label, which provides estimated annual energy consumption and operating costs while comparing the appliance to similar models.
Review wattage and energy consumption: For specific appliances like light bulbs or TVs, check their wattage—lower wattage often means lower energy use.
Explore smart or eco-friendly features: Many modern appliances include "eco-mode" or intelligent features to reduce energy consumption, such as water-saving settings on dishwashers or energy-saving cycles in washing machines.
Consider size and capacity: Choose appliances suited to your household's needs. Oversized appliances can lead to unnecessary energy usage.
Calculate lifetime costs: While energy-efficient models may have a higher upfront cost, they typically save money in the long run through reduced utility bills.

By making informed decisions when purchasing appliances, you can save money while helping to reduce energy consumption—truly a win-win situation!

Creating More Achievable Housing in Pennsylvania

I had the privilege of joining the House Majority Policy Committee for a crucial hearing on creating more achievable housing in Pennsylvania, hosted by Representative Lindsay Powell.

We listened to powerful testimonies from housing advocates and experts, highlighting the pressing need for adequate housing options across our state. It's clear that we must take action to ensure that more families can put a roof over their heads.

This issue is close to my heart and one I hear about often through my office. As your representative, I am committed to working towards finding solutions and making meaningful changes that will benefit our communities. Together, we can create a Pennsylvania where everyone has a place to call home.

Tourism Committee

During our first voting meeting of the session in the House Tourism Recreation and Economic Development Committee, we proudly reported out House Resolution 35, prime sponsored by Representative Robert Matzie. This important resolution designates March 9, 2025, as "Charter Day" in Pennsylvania, marking the 344th birthday of our beloved state! This resolution was approved unanimously in committee and then went to the full House chamber for a vote where it was adopted on February 5th 199 to 3.

Join me in celebrating Pennsylvania's rich history, vibrant culture, and incredible journey by keeping history alive with your participation with any and all “Charter Day” events.

Upcoming Events

Shredding and Electronics Recycling All in One

Join us for a fantastic opportunity to declutter your home and protect your personal information at our Free Shredding and Electronics Recycling Event! This event offers a convenient way to safely dispose of your old documents and electronic devices. Not only will you be helping the environment by recycling, but you'll also be ensuring your sensitive information doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Plus, it is a great chance to support local food banks by bringing non-perishable food items for donation. Don't miss out on this chance to make a positive impact on your community!

?? Join us for a License Plate Restoration Event! ??

Is your PA license plate faded, peeling, or hard to read? We can help! ???

Why Restore Your License Plate?

Visibility and Safety: Ensure your plate is clear and readable to avoid any safety concerns.
Legal Compliance: Stay compliant with local regulations and avoid fines.
Avoiding Hassles: Prevent unnecessary stops and delays from law enforcement.
Aesthetic Appeal: Keep your vehicle looking polished and well-maintained.
Vehicle Resale Value: Enhance your car's resale value by maintaining a pristine plate.

Don't miss this opportunity to get your license plate restored and keep your vehicle in top shape! ????

?? Attention Veterans and Supporters! ??

Join us for our upcoming Veterans ID Sign Up Event! This event is your chance to connect with valuable discounts and savings in Montgomery County.

In addition to signing up for your ID, we will be collecting toiletries, socks, and underwear to benefit veterans in our area. Your support makes a difference!

Let's come together and support our veterans!