Contact: Anthony Campisi
Anthony@WalnutLaneStrategies.com
(732) 266-8221
BETHLEHEM ADVOCATES, STATE LAWMAKER DEMAND ACTION ON SKYROCKETING GAS PRICES AND ELECTRIC BILLS, CALL OUT REP. RYAN MACKENZIE AND SENATE REPUBLICANS
State Rep. Steve Samuelson (D-Northhampton) and clean energy advocates gathered at the Old York Lot in Bethlehem today to demand immediate legislative action on skyrocketing gas prices and household electric bills, pointing directly to the voting records of U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-Lehigh) and state Senate Republicans for escalating the region's energy affordability crisis.
With summer heat waves and rapid AI data center expansion pushing the regional electric grid to record levels, a typical Pennsylvania family is paying over $500 more per year on electricity bills. Meanwhile, global supply disruptions from the Iran War have driven gas prices in the state past $4 per gallon. Speakers spotlighted how expanding clean energy, grid modernization and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure provides immediate ratepayer relief, while calling out out-of-touch politicians for siding with corporate special interests over working families.
At the press conference, speakers highlighted the stark contrast between Pennsylvania House Democrats — who passed a comprehensive suite of consumer protection and clean energy bills — and Republican leaders in Washington and Harrisburg who continue to follow Donald Trump's cost-raising energy agenda and block progress.
“Rep. Ryan Mackenzie campaigned on making life more affordable, then went to Washington and voted to do the opposite,” said Julianne Simitz, Director of Development at Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania. “While Lehigh Valley families are getting hammered by $4-a-gallon gas and utility bills that have jumped by hundreds of dollars, Mackenzie voted for $68 billion in tax breaks for Big Tech while gutting clean energy investments that lower costs and create jobs here at home. And in Harrisburg, state Senate Republicans are blocking bill after bill that would actually protect ratepayers. Pennsylvanians don’t need another politician talking about affordability while voting to make life more expensive. The voting record tells you exactly whose side they’re on -- and it isn’t ours.”
“Families across Bethlehem and Northampton County cannot afford more of the same failed policies that put corporate profits ahead of working people,” said State Representative Steve Samuelson (D-Northampton). “Transitioning to clean energy and expanding electric vehicle infrastructure are the fastest ways to lower transportation and utility costs for our communities. House Democrats have delivered by passing legislation to expand cheaper, cleaner power, regulate data centers and reduce grid pressures. But instead of supporting these solutions, politicians in Washington and Senate Republicans in Harrisburg continue to block progress and protect Big Tech profits.”
How Rep. Ryan Mackenzie's Record Drives Up Energy Costs for PA-07 Families
While Mackenzie talks about rising costs on the campaign trail, his legislative record in Washington directly exacerbates the affordability crisis facing Lehigh Valley voters:
- Gutting Cost-Saving Clean Energy Investments: Mackenzie's vote for the Trump budget bill gutted critical clean energy investments that were lowering household electricity costs, expanding domestic manufacturing and bringing billions of investments into Pennsylvania. This vote directly hits the Lehigh Valley, resulting in fewer clean energy projects, fewer local jobs and higher utility bills for local families.
- Blocking Local Community and State AI Oversight: Mackenzie voted for federal legislation blocking state and local governments from enacting any regulations on artificial intelligence and data centers for 10 years, attempting to strip local communities of their voice.
- Fast-Tracking Data Centers Without Community Input: Mackenzie voted for the SPEED Act at the end of 2025 to fast-track data center approvals and restrict community input — the exact same fast-tracking approach he hypocritically criticized state leaders for pursuing. By contrast, Governor Shapiro’s new Executive Order requires developers to come to the table and negotiate with local communities in order to secure state permits.
How the State Senate Republican Blockade Means Higher Energy Bills for Local Families: While state House Democrats passed proactive measures like HB 1834 to shield utility customers from data center costs and HB 504 to expand community solar, Senate Republicans in Harrisburg have refused to bring these consumer protection bills to a vote.
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