Mission Statement

The Commonwealth Foundation promotes market-driven solutions for energy policy that will benefit all Pennsylvanians. These policies must prioritize reliability, affordability, fairness, competition, and innovation, paving the way for Pennsylvania to embrace all its energy resources and unlock its full economic potential.

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Energy

Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) Mandates in Pennsylvania

  • Gordon Tomb
  • August 24, 2023

Key Points Studies show adopting Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) criteria is not associated with better labor or environmental regulatory compliance. Emerging studies show ESG criteria are associated with lower…

Backgrounder

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Energy

Governor Josh Shapiro’s Wrong Approach to Grid Reliability

  • Gordon Tomb
  • August 22, 2023

Originally published at RealClearEnergy Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has asked regional power grid operators to enhance the electricity system’s dependability—and he’s got ideas about how to do it. But his…

Media Hit

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Energy

Environmental Bootleggers and Baptists Fleece Consumers

  • Gordon Tomb
  • April 24, 2023

Originally published at RealClearEnergy The “Bootleggers and Baptists” of Pennsylvania’s energy markets cost consumers and taxpayers billions while undermining the state’s economy and power grid.   Bruce Yandle, an economist, …

Commentary

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Energy

Save the Homer City power plant

  • Gordon Tomb
  • April 22, 2023

Originally published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette During his campaign, Gov. Josh Shapiro expressed concern over a new carbon tax initiated by his predecessor, Tom Wolf, noting the impact on…

Commentary

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Education

Common Ground in the Commonwealth Poll Findings

  • Jennifer Stefano
  • April 6, 2023

Summary The Common Ground in the Commonwealth Poll, conducted March 24-29, is the first in a series of quarterly surveys taking the pulse of voters on the “state of the…

Memo

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Energy

Key Takeaways from Gov. Shapiro’s 2023 Budget Address

  • Nathan Benefield
  • March 7, 2023

Profligacy Exacerbates Budget Deficit  Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed budget calls for $45.9 billion in ongoing General Fund spending and $43 billion in net state revenues (after refunds). Thus, Pennsylvania has…

Report

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Energy

Too much regulation raises energy prices too high

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • February 7, 2023

Originally published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette On average, electric bills for Pennsylvanians are up 73 percent since 2020. The increases range from 55% in east (for PECO customers) to…

Media Hit

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Energy

Review of Regulation Constitutional Amendment

  • January 26, 2023

What is the Constitutional Amendment on Legislative Review of Regulations? This amendment would allow the legislature to reject a proposed regulation by passing a concurrent resolution with a simple majority…

Backgrounder

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Energy

Assessing Gov. Tom Wolf’s Tenure

  • Nathan Benefield
  • January 12, 2023

Key Points During Gov. Tom Wolf’s eight years in office, Pennsylvania ranked below the national average in income growth, job growth, and population growth.State government spending increased significantly under Wolf,…

Backgrounder

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Energy

The Europeanization of American Energy Policy

  • Kevin Mooney
  • January 8, 2023

Originally published at The American Spectator Is there anything a foreign agent of either Russia or China would do differently than European or American policymakers who embrace green energy…

Media Hit

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Energy

The False Assumptions Behind Climate Regulations in Pennsylvania

  • Kevin Mooney
  • December 6, 2022

Originally published at RealClearEnergy While they were in the majority, Pennsylvania House Republicans spent their political capital to advance American energy independence, free speech rights, and scientific integrity. Unlike…

Media Hit

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Energy

Rising Electricity Costs

  • November 30, 2022

How High Are Electric Bills Rising? Electricity bills are rising across the commonwealth by an average of 73 percent between December 2020 and December 2022.Increases range from 55 percent for…

Fact Sheet

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Energy

The Dangers of Environmental, Social, and Governance Mandates

  • Gordon Tomb
  • October 27, 2022

*This testimony was requested by the House Commerce Committee for a hearing that did not occur.* Chairman Roae, Chairman Galloway and members of the House Commerce Committee, thank you for…

Testimony

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Energy

Latest RGGI Lawsuit Highlights Increases in Electricity Prices

  • Gordon Tomb
  • October 21, 2022

Originally published in the Delaware Valley Journal Already struggling to cope with higher energy bills, Pennsylvanians are now experiencing double-digit rate hikes this fall. In September, some suppliers increased…

Media Hit

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Energy

No Carbon Taxation Without Representation? Pennsylvania Decides

  • Kevin Mooney
  • October 6, 2022

Originally published at the Daily Caller Pennsylvania voters who played an instrumental role in bringing an overreaching executive to heel during the COVID-19 pandemic will have the opportunity to…

Media Hit

Read More: No Carbon Taxation Without Representation? Pennsylvania Decides