Apr. 20, 2022
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) wants to open the door to help grow Pennsylvania companies and job opportunities.
“I am introducing
House Bill 2528 in an effort to change the current practice of not allowing Pennsylvania companies to participate in a key aspect of environmental stewardship,” Struzzi said. “These short-sighted policies stifle our business community and drive jobs and dollars to other states. My legislation would level the playing field for our businesses and take advantage of everything our energy-related industries have to offer here in the Commonwealth.”
Pennsylvania will receive more than $400 million in federal funding to address abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells. Right now, out-of-state companies receive preferential treatment from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) when it comes to bidding on contracts to plug these wells.
“A local company brought to my attention the fact that Pennsylvania-based companies can handle these jobs but are prevented from bidding on them due to the way DEP awards the contracts,” added Struzzi. “Considering the number of wells that need remediated, the department is allowing revenue derived from these projects and the jobs needed to complete them to escape our borders and be handled by competitors from neighboring states.”
DEP estimates there are 26,000 orphaned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania, in addition to thousands of undocumented ones.
Questions about this or any state government issue should be directed to Struzzi’s Indiana district office at 1-724-465-0220.
Representative Jim Struzzi
62nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5937 (cell)
Slittle@pahousegop.com
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