Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) has voiced support for rural Pennsylvania by voting in favor of two legislative measures, Senate Bill 6 and Senate Bill 1068. These bills aim to improve government accountability and protect jobs in local economies that could be affected by state regulations.
During a recent session, Langerholc spoke on the Senate floor, criticizing the governor’s administration for what he described as ongoing neglect of rural communities. He cited the closure of SCI Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp as decisions that negatively impact families and communities in these areas. “Rural Pennsylvania has once again been forgotten by this administration,” Langerholc said. “The closure of SCI Rockview and the Quehanna Boot Camp will devastate working families and weaken the very communities that serve the Commonwealth. Meanwhile, the Governor continues to push costly regulations like RGGI that destroy family-sustaining jobs and drive-up energy costs.”
Senate Bill 6 would expand the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program, requiring all state agencies to adopt its procedures. The bill would also mandate the creation of an online system where applicants can track their permit requests.
Senate Bill 1068 seeks to repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) regulation. Langerholc argued that RGGI has led to higher energy costs for families and businesses, especially in rural and energy-producing regions. “I will always stand up for our rural communities, for the families, workers, and small businesses that form the backbone of our Commonwealth,” he said. “The people I represent want government to work with them, not against them. Rural Pennsylvania deserves better.”
Both pieces of legislation will now move to the House of Representatives for further review.
