Pennsylvania Perspective for Monday, August 8, 2022

August 8, 2022

Pennsylvania

Who is Running for Congress Across Pennsylvania?

While Pennsylvania’s high-profile gubernatorial and U.S. Senate races have commanded much attention, the outcome of the state’s 17 congressional elections will also undoubtedly have a significant impact on the national policy landscape moving into 2023. For a rundown of each district’s congressional election — including the candidates who are running and predictions of election outcomes — view City & State Pennsylvania’s election guide here.

Lieutenant Governor Fetterman to Make First Public Appearance Since May at Erie Campaign Rally

Lieutenant Governor John Fetterman will be officially returning to the campaign trail this week in his first public appearance since suffering from a stroke in May. The Democratic U.S. Senate candidate will be hosting a campaign event this Friday in Erie, traditionally an important bellwether county for the state. The Pennsylvania Capital-Star has more.

State Senator Mastriano Speaks in Erie; Calls Democratic Opponent “Extreme”

Republican candidate for governor Doug Mastriano spoke at a Legislative Luncheon event hosted by the Manufacturer & Business Association in Erie last Wednesday, calling his Democratic opponent, Josh Shapiro “extreme.” Throughout his campaign, State Senator Mastriano has drawn criticism for being “extreme” himself, a notion that he has been trying to dispel. GoErie has more.

How the Inflation Reduction Act Could Affect Pennsylvanians

The Inflation Reduction Act, which was passed by the U.S. Senate on Sunday, is set to cap insulin costs at $35 for Medicare enrollees and continue enhanced premium tax credits, among other provisions, if passed by the House. The measures have the potential to help hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians with health care costs. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Potential Water Quality Legislation Divides Lawmakers

Pennsylvania lawmakers are said to be considering a measure that would allow private companies to more easily acquire municipal water authorities. Proponents of the idea — including Senator Pat Stefano, who will be sponsoring legislation — claim that such action would improve the reliability, quality, and security of water management systems. Critics argue that it addresses a nonexistent problem and would only lead to privatization and higher water bills for Pennsylvanians. Spotlight PA has more.

Texas Pipeline Developer Pleads No Contest, Will Pay $10 Million for Pollution Damages

Last Friday, Energy Transfer Operating pleaded no contest to charges that it systematically polluted waterways and wells during construction of a pipeline to connect a gas field in western Pennsylvania to an export terminal in southeast Pennsylvania. The Texas-based company has agreed to pay $10 million to restore nearby watersheds and streams, among other contamination remediation efforts. The Associated Press has more.

Philadelphia

University City Townhomes Encampment Cleared Out

The University City Townhomes encampment, which was erected in early July to protest the sale of the property, was cleared out this morning by about 20 sheriff’s officers and other law enforcement personnel. The current owner has agreed to cover the cost of relocation for some residents who have reached out for help, but activists argue that this will not be enough for all those who will be displaced by the sale to find safe, affordable homes. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Could the Dream of a Roosevelt Boulevard Subway Become Reality?

The notion of a Roosevelt Boulevard subway, which has been proposed and seriously considered at various points since the 1920s, is once again gaining traction among public transit experts and advocates, with some proposing the use of federal infrastructure funds for the potential project. The Philadelphia Inquirer has more.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s Building Boom Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

Pittsburgh is currently experiencing a construction boom, with 80 large projects having been proposed or already underway. While Pittsburgh’s building growth has been slightly slower than that of other cities, overall, it is not expected to slow down anytime soon, despite rising inflation rates. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review has more.

Pittsburgh Zoning Board Denies Development of Proposed Aiken Avenue Residential Building

Neighbors in Shadyside who opposed the construction of a new apartment building on South Aiken Avenue have been proven victorious after a Pittsburgh zoning board has denied Mozart Management’s bid to develop the property. The building, which would have boasted 131 units, also would have surpassed the zoning district’s height limitation, setting what opponents argue would be a bad precedent for future development in the neighborhood. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has more.

Historic State Loan to Help Fund Backup Drinking Water System in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, which is currently working on a $470 million project to construct a backup drinking water system, is set to receive a historic $209 million PennVest loan, besting the previous largest PennVest loan to Pittsburgh, $65 million in 2020. 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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