|
||||
|
In this Update:
Langerholc’s Vehicle Emissions Reform Advances
The Senate Transportation Committee approved, in a bipartisan manner, my legislation to reform the commonwealth’s outdated vehicle emissions program. Senate Bill 1298 removes Blair, Cambria, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer and Westmoreland counties from the emissions program while also exempting vehicles five years old or less from the program. The Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance program mandates that motorists in 25 Pennsylvania counties undergo annual emissions testing. However, a Joint State Government Commission study has shown that removing seven of these counties from the program would have minimal impact on maintaining federal air quality standards. Less than 1% of the five most recent model year vehicles fail annual emissions inspections. Yet again, I am forced to introduce this legislation because the House cannot be bothered to bring it to a vote. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation to save Pennsylvania motorists from having to pay for this outdated, unneeded government mandate. This bill has had many different numbers throughout the multiple sessions I have introduced it, but one common theme persists: it is an unnecessary burden on our residents. The Senate passed my legislation to reform the emissions program in February 2025, as well as each legislative session since the 2019-2020 legislative session. All measures have failed to receive a vote in the House of Representatives. The measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration. Protecting Women in Sports
The Senate approved legislation to protect the safety and opportunities of female athletes by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex. Senate Bill 1293 would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. The legislation states only biological females can join teams designated for women. The bill would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Senate Bill 9, which was passed by the Senate in May 2025 with bipartisan support has been delayed by procedural maneuvers by Democrat leaders in the House of Representatives, leaving young female athletes at risk. I urge the House to act on this legislation and restore fairness to athletic competition in our commonwealth. Read more about this issue here. Strengthening Electricity Affordability and Reliability
Pennsylvanians need electricity that’s affordable and reliable. That’s why I joined legislative colleagues in February urging action to preserve critical baseload power generation by preventing the premature shutdown of two commonwealth power plants. I’m pleased to report the Trump administration has reached agreement to allow continued operation of the Keystone and Conemaugh Generating Stations in Indiana and Armstrong counties. The agreement ensures continued generation of 3,400 megawatts of electricity for the regional grid and preserves the livelihood of more than 1,000 workers. I will continue working to expand Pennsylvania energy production to provide our residents with an energy strategy that ensures affordable, reliable electricity. Kindergarten Prep Booklet
If your child is entering kindergarten this fall, you can help prepare them for the experience with the Kindergarten Here I Come booklet filled with resources and activities that follow Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Standards. Topics in the booklet include:
You can review and download the booklet here. News for Veterans Sign Up
I am now offering a monthly e-newsletter with updates on news and information for veterans! If you are interested in receiving my veterans e-newsletter, please visit my website to sign up here. Share Your Local Events
If you’re hosting a local event, I want to hear about it. Please send your event details to wlangerholc@pasen.gov. If the event is free and open to the public, it could be highlighted in my e-newsletter or featured on my Facebook page to help share it with the community. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorlangerholc.com | Privacy Policy |
