HARRISBURG, PA — Lawmakers from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia gathered last week for a first-of-its-kind regional hearing aimed at restoring energy affordability and reliability across the Mid-Atlantic — a move that signals growing bipartisan concern over rising electricity costs, looming power shortages, and regulatory gridlock.
Hosted by the Pennsylvania House Republican Policy Committee and chaired by Rep. David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), the meeting brought together legislators and energy policy experts to discuss reforms that could stabilize the region’s strained power grid. “Our states share the same grid, the same transmission lines, and the same responsibility to keep the lights on,” Rowe said. “This hearing marks a unified effort to move beyond symbolism and toward real solutions.”
Vice Chair Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) and New Jersey Assemblyman Paul Kanitra spearheaded the initiative, describing energy reliability and affordability as “foundational issues that affect every family and business” in a joint op-ed for RealClear Energy.
Stephen Bennett of PJM Interconnection, which manages the regional grid serving 67 million people, warned that mounting demand from artificial intelligence, data centers, and electric vehicles could outstrip new generation by 2030—or sooner. “Without a significant course correction, the region could face a resource adequacy deficit,” he said.
Industry leaders echoed calls for permitting reform and practical energy policy. Rob Jennings of the American Petroleum Institute urged lawmakers to streamline approvals for infrastructure linking Pennsylvania’s abundant energy supply to consumer demand. Rachel Gleason of the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance highlighted coal’s role in providing dispatchable power during peak demand. “You can’t run a reliable grid based on the weather,” she said.
Consumer Energy Alliance director Maddie Milam pressed for an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, warning that state-by-state mandates are driving up prices and threatening grid stability.
Representatives from neighboring states described how local policies have intensified energy costs. New Jersey Assemblyman John DiMaio advocated exiting the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), while Maryland Delegate Brian Chisholm cited five recent plant closures and “skyrocketing energy bills.” Virginia Delegate Mike Webert, whose state imports 38% of its energy, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation.
The hearing also drew sharp contrasts with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s record. While Shapiro has promoted federal-level reform through the National Governors Association, participants argued that his administration has yet to deliver comparable progress within the Commonwealth.
Elizabeth Stelle of the Commonwealth Foundation noted that Pennsylvania’s competitive energy market has helped keep electricity costs below the national average, unlike neighboring RGGI states. “Competitive markets are how we got to reliable, relatively stable electricity costs—and that’s how we’ll keep them,” she said.
The session ended with broad agreement that regional coordination and regulatory reform are essential to meet future demand. “Energy policy isn’t about politics—it’s about people,” Rowe said. “Working families, small businesses, and manufacturers depend on affordable, reliable energy. Together, we’re ready to lead with solutions that restore both.”
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