Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, August 5, 2024

August 5, 2024

Pennsylvania

Ethical Concerns Mount Over Potential Conflicts of Interest Among Some PA Reps.

Advocates have brought attention to the fact that several Pennsylvania representatives possess multiple jobs, expressing fears of potential conflicts of interests. While some state legislators argue that they are well within their bounds to enlist as an airline pilot, a lawyer, or even a landlord, advocates at Rock the Capital and MarchOnHarrisburg allege that separate occupations involving financial compensation can ultimately influence a lawmaker’s decisions. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

PA Lawmakers Allocate $4.2M to RGGI Legal Fight

Former Governor Tom Wolf signed an executive order in 2019 to bring the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to Pennsylvania. In the years since, state Republicans, energy companies, and labor unions filed two separate lawsuits seeking to revoke Pennsylvania’s membership in the cap and trade program. Legal bills have surpassed $4.2 million. WESA has more.

Mail-in Ballot Date Dispute Back in PA Courts

Pennsylvania currently requires that mail-in election ballots possess an accurate date on the envelope’s exterior. Although the state Supreme Court and the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed the rule, and the Black Political Empowerment Project and Common Cause have filed an additional lawsuit, alleging that the current mandate could result in legitimate legal votes being discarded. WESA has more.

U.S. DOE Reaches Agreement with Appalachia Hydrogen Hub

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) announced that it will allocate $925 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to a public-private consortium to construct a hydrogen hub in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The recent agreement will pave the way for 11 documented projects by 12 different companies over the course of 36 months. WESA has more.

PA Budget Brings Changes to PA Environmental Policy Landscape

The bipartisan $47.6 billion state budget will boost the Department of Environmental Protection with a 14% raise. Policy changes include an additional $50 million allocated to the Clean Streams Fund, waste coal power plants receiving a credit of $8 per ton of electricity-generating waste coal, and a new fiscal assistance program for schools looking to install solar panels. Other environmental policy initiatives focus on abandoned well plugging and electric vehicle fees. WESA has more.

 

Philadelphia

Republicans Look to Re-Establish Footing in Philadelphia

With Vice President Kamala Harris favored to win Philadelphia’s four collar counties, Republicans have devised new strategies to regain ground for former President Donald Trump, particularly in Montgomery County. Republicans hope to crack the blue wall surrounding Philadelphia with a campaign focused especially on inflation and immigration. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Gov. Shapiro Confirms Attendance, But Not Role at Philadelphia Harris Rally

Once again, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro declined to comment on whether he has engaged in Vice President Harris’ search for a running mate. Instead, Gov. Shapiro indicated that he will attend the Vice President’s multi-state kickoff event in Philadelphia on Tuesday. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

 

Pittsburgh

State Funding Could Help Bring Pittsburgh’s Industrial Era Back to Life

The Regional Industrial Development Corp received $2.3 million from the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites pilot in 2023 to revamp the Carrie Furnace. Re:Build Manufacturing has taken on the second phase of the program to rehabilitate the remaining viable industrial infrastructure throughout the Pittsburgh region. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Installs 7 Narcan Vending Machines

The drug dispensers will provide city residents with free access to naloxone, a drug commonly referred to as “Narcan” used to reverse opioid overdoses. The Allegheny Health Department purchased the dispensers with a federal grant. With two machines already in operation, the additional five are set to be placed within the next month or two. WESA has more.

Pittsburgh Police Announce Plans for Virtual Community Engagement Hub

Pittsburgh Police hope to connect officers from all around the city with residents, through an online platform that is aimed to foster transparency and bring about increased community engagement. The Pittsburgh Police Cares website will transmit weekly crime statistics, highlight useful community resources, and accommodate simpler means of contact for concerned residents. WESA has more.

 

Federal

VP Harris Expected to Announce Running Mate Before Tuesday Kickoff Rally

With Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance traveling to Philadelphia and Gov. Shapiro returning to Harrisburg on Monday, the Harris campaign has indicated that Vice President Harris could reveal her running mate at any moment. However, the announcement is expected to precede Harris’ Philly event on Tuesday. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Onslaught of Third-Party Candidates Register in PA

With a deadline looming on Thursday, more than twelve third-party candidates running for statewide offices, U.S. Senate seats, and the presidency have filed paperwork to run in Pennsylvania’s general election ballot in November. With an already-paper-thin margin between Vice President Harris and former President Trump, third-party presidential candidates could shake-up election predictions even more in the battleground Keystone State. WESA has more.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

About Cozen O’Connor

Established in 1970, Cozen O’Connor has over 775 attorneys who help clients manage risk and make better business decisions. The firm counsels clients on their most sophisticated legal matters in all areas of the law, including litigation, corporate, and regulatory law. Representing a broad array of leading global corporations and middle-market companies, Cozen O’Connor serves its clients’ needs through 31 offices across two continents.

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