Rep. Bresnahan Voted to Cut Clean Energy Tax Credits That Lower Electricity and Gas Prices

February 18, 2026

Wilkes-Barre, PENNSYLVANIA — Yesterday evening, Affordable Pennsylvania held a roundtable where community members, experts, and advocates discussed one of the most pressing cost-of-living issues facing Northeastern Pennsylvania - rising energy costs.

As a near-record cold winter rages on in NEPA, Pennsylvanians are struggling with high energy costs thanks in part to Congressman Rob Bresnahan’s vote to repeal clean energy tax credits in the Republican Tax Law last summer.

"When prices start going up without any explanation, it can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially right now as people are struggling with higher costs across the board. As our community navigates rising energy costs this winter, I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn more about what’s driving these rate hikes,” said Ariela G. of Wilkes-Barre. “Our conversation was very enlightening and I plan to do more research into the impact of these data centers and opportunities for affordable and clean energy here in NEPA. I would like to learn more about how we can be more progressive in this new age of constant change and how our elected leaders can help us do so."

Clean energy subsidies help to lower electricity and gas prices, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, and expand U.S. energy independence. Congressman Rob Bresnahan’s vote to repeal these tax credits will raise energy prices, shut down energy production facilities, and reduce energy supply. In Pennsylvania, experts found that average annual electricity costs would increase by $93 for households and 10 percent for businesses in 2026, the average household would spend $582 more on gasoline annually by 2035, and 6,845 jobs would be at risk.

Citizens’ Voice: Advocates, residents discuss causes of rising energy bills, solutions

• A nonprofit group working to make life more affordable for Pennsylvanians hosted a roundtable discussion Tuesday on the causes of rising energy costs, how they’re affecting families across the state and what can be done.

• When Gratter asked who has seen their energy bills increase recently, nearly everyone in the room raised a hand.

• Joyanna Hopper, a political science professor at the University of Scranton, said a recent energy auction, PJM’s energy capacity pricing increased 833%, translating into a potential 10% to 20% increase in residential electric bills.

• Hopper said the most recent living wage report the university conducted in conjunction with The Institute for Public Policy showed “a massive increase in the cost of utilities, and that it was stretching people’s budgets.”

FOX56: Experts & community members rally behind ‘Clean Energy, Lower Bills’ amid rising PA costs

• Affordable Pennsylvania hosted the 'Power to the People' Roundtable Discussion, as policy experts spoke about the rising energy demand and the growing cost-of-living challenges facing the region.

• Panelist JoyAnna Hopper, Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Scranton, explained the purpose of the event and what she hopes participants take away.

• “When we're thinking about the future of energy costs, I know, that for many people, this is something that's stretching their budget. And they need to be able to understand the dynamics of the situation as to what's causing energy to increase the cost. But also, to understand how they might hold elected officials accountable. And so, to do that, they have to know what's going on and understand how they might be able to advocate for themselves,” said Hopper.

• “Everybody needs to come together and raise our voices about these kinds of issues, and honestly go directly to our congressmen and go directly to our local legislature, and our municipal buildings. I mean, that's where we're going to see our actual change. We need more people to actually vocalize this, and not be scared to do so,” said Mattei.

Times-Leader: Engaging in the economics of energy: Roundtable focuses on electricity supplies, rising utility bills

• Anthony Gratter, regional organizer for Affordable Pennsylvania, acted as the moderator for a roundtable discussion on Tuesday evening. Opening the discussion, he asked for a show of hands as to how many attendees saw their utility bills increase. Nearly all hands went up.

• On the subject of clean energy, Regan told the group that only 4-5% of the state’s total energy supply comes from clean or renewable resources, adding that a shift towards a more balanced and diversified grid needs to happen across the state.

• However, clean energy has its own hurdles. Due to changes within President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” cuts to credits and funding have caused pauses to renewable energy sources, both for residential and commercial customers. Additionally, options available in other states — such as “Community solar” — are not available in the Commonwealth, and cuts have led to an estimated $194 million and over 100,000 potential jobs lost.

• Another topic of extended discussion was the recent interest in the building of data centers across the region. The need for increased supply from the proposed data centers can cause utility companies such as PPL to request rate increases in order to upgrade infrastructure to handle the increased need.

• Attendees were encouraged to reach out to their representatives at every level to not only address energy issues facing the state, but to help set regulations for prospective data centers looking to move into the area. Likewise, the panel suggested reaching out to municipalities to ask if a series of ordinances or zoning regulations have been reviewed or implemented.

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