Westmoreland Review

An amendment proposed by Representative Eric Davanzo, a Republican from Westmoreland, has been incorporated into legislation that successfully passed the Pennsylvania House. The amendment mandates the use of American-made products in solar energy projects at schools across the state. This initiative is part of the broader Pennsylvania Solar for Schools Grant Program, which aims to provide financial support to educational institutions for solar energy projects.

Rep. Davanzo emphasized the importance of using locally assembled products in these projects, stating, “Solar energy may or may not be the next big thing in energy savings. But if schools do pursue a solar project, they should be doing so with products assembled right here in our back yards.” He also highlighted concerns about American companies and workers being overlooked.

The program will offer grants to various educational entities including school districts, intermediate units, career and technical schools, and community colleges. These funds are intended to cover costs related to equipment, permit fees, energy storage, and utility interconnection. The Department of Community and Economic Development will oversee the administration of these funds.

Davanzo pointed out that this legislation could help mitigate rising electricity costs attributed to Pennsylvania's enrollment in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a decision made by the previous administration. He remarked on the impact of RGGI: “Entering RGGI was a slap in the face to the workers who operate our power plants as well as to the workforce in every other industry.”

House Bill 1032 is now awaiting its third consideration in the House before it proceeds to the Senate for further deliberation.

The 58th Legislative District represented by Davanzo includes several areas such as Monessen City and parts of East Huntingdon Township among others.