Sen. Jay Costa
Senator Costa has served in the Pennsylvania Senate since 1996, and has been Minority Leader since 2011. He earned a 100% on the 2019-2020 Pennsylvania Environmental Scorecard. Senator Costa believes that the economy can continue to grow while protecting the environment and that businesses should pay their fair share. He also realizes that it is a complex issue, but he believes that everyone can be brought to the table to find solutions.
Some of the key environmental legislation Sen. Costa has worked on includes:
- Pennsylvania Local Solar Program (SB 929), which allows utility companies to create 100% Pennsylvania, solar-based energy programs by contracting directly with solar development companies. SB 929 also mandates that between 5% and 15% of program participants be low-income earners.
- The Climate Change Mitigation and Energy Transition Act which will limit regional greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen our communities. (Cap and Invest)
- Senate Bill 929, which imposes a severance tax on resource extraction that will be used to pay for investments in our schools, our economy, and our environment.
- Senate Bill 386, the Landslide Insurance and Assistance Program, creating dedicated landslide insurance programs that are affordable for all our residents.
- Lead Remediation and Abatement Superfund (SB 221) to help municipalities cover the cost of lead pipe removal, especially in spaces frequented by children (schools, care facilities, public housing units, etc.).
- Co-sponsored Senate Bill 39 to update lead testing requirements in public facilities.
- Sponsored Senate Bill 312, requiring health insurance companies to cover blood lead-level testing for children and pregnant women.
We are confident that Sen. Costa will continue to fight for our right to clean air, clean water, and renewable energy if re-elected, and we encourage the voters of the 43rd district to vote to send him back to Harrisburg.