HB 502 CALL TO ACTION!!

We are asking all residents to contacts PA House Reps about House Bill 502! This bill is an attempt to remove power from our local governments and could have dangerous impacts for our communities. 

HB 502 is a bill that proposes the creation of a statewide Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition (RESET) Board, which would be given full authority over approving energy permits. This state hand-picked Board would be given the power to undermine municipal governments’ authority and override local zoning regulations. The proposed RESET board would be able to fast-track “energy projects” with NO mechanism to check their power.  Projects could include dangerous energy projects like fracked gas power plants, liquified natural gas (LNG), and other dirty energy schemes like trash and tire burning.

HB 502 was introduced to the committee in the 2025-2026 session and was scheduled to vote on June 25, but was tabled. The committee has not set a new date for consideration but the House could maneuver to vote on the bill with the Budget so let’s flood them with calls NOW to kill the bill!

Please join us in calling the PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton, the House Energy Committee leadership and your rep to tell them VOTE NO on HB502. 

Here’s a link to call script with talking points and contact list (also below), including who has co-sponsored the bill (you’d be surprised). 

CALL SCRIPT RE: HB 502

Introduction:

Hello, my name is [Name]. I’m calling today to express my strong opposition to the proposed House Bill 502, which will eliminate local governments’ power on energy projects and potentially fast track large energy projects at the demise of the community.  

I’m urging Rep XYZ to vote NO to House Bill 502 (and remove their co-sponsorship, if they are listed as co-sponsor) when it comes to vote in the House.  This bill will be particularly harmful for impacted communities like those along the riverfront in Delaware County which are constantly being targeted for new energy projects.

INCORPORATE A TALKING POINT BELOW:

• Local Government decisions on large energy projects must not be taken over by a handpicked Board of bureaucrats and self-serving special interests that want to FAST TRACK large energy projects. Local governments and their residents are essential to fair and equitable decision-making!
• HB502 is unconstitutional. It strips all Pennsylvanians and local governments of their environmental rights under Article 1, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution’s Environmental Rights Amendment. By removing established local government review, planning, and processes HB502 denies citizens of their participation at the local government level and of due process and redress. It prevents local officials from carrying out their sworn duty to protect and serve people’s rights to clean air, pure water, and a healthy environment – those of us here now and future generations.
• HB502 harms environmental justice communities. The RESET Board would have the power to overrule local zoning and considerations, taking siting approval of these facilities out of the hands of those who would be most directly impacted by the environmental, human health, and planning effects of projects, many of whom are already overburdened by pollution and environmental degradation. This cannot be tolerated! 
• The language in HB502 around what qualifies as “reliable energy generating and storage facilities” (Lines 8-9) is intentionally vague, which leaves room for potentially dangerous projects such as fracked gas power plants, liquified natural gas, and other dirty energy schemes. Fast tracking dirty energy projects will harm our health and the environment, increasing air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and worsening climate change. No more fossil fuel and false energy solution projects!
• The Memo for this bill says it all – they want to “build big things again in Pennsylvania”. Some pretend the bill is for renewable energy projects but that is not what the bill says. This is the takeover of our communities by an autocratic Board that doesn’t want the local public interfering with a dirty energy buildout. This bill must be stopped!

LINKS:

• House Bill 502 Sponsors – View full list of co-sponsors (includes O’Mara, Kreuger, Borowski from Delco…)
• Read HB 502: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/text/PDF/2025/0/HB0502/PN1479
• Find your Rep here: https://www.palegis.us/house/members

CONTACTS:

PA House Speaker Joanna McClinton 717-772-9850
Committee Chair: Elizabeth Fiedler (D-HD184)(717) 787-5774
Committee Vice Chair: Mandy Steele (D-HD33) (717) 705-7141
Minority Chair: Martin T. Causer (R-HD67) (717) 787-5075

Energy Committee Members who co-sponsor HB 502

View Full Energy Committee; https://www.palegis.us/house/committees/69/energy