Under the guise of streamlining development and boosting energy production, state lawmakers and the Shapiro Administration are advancing legislation that would strip municipalities of their authority over land use — silencing local voices and undermining transparency. The current preemption bill being discussed is House Bill 502, which proposes to remove local voices and oversight of energy development projects with its creation of a statewide energy project Reset Board. The House Energy Committee held two hearings this week. PSATS voiced strong opposition through PSATS Government Relations Director Brian Rengert and Tom Petrucci, manager for South Whitehall Township, Lehigh County. Both emphasized that local governments are not obstructing energy growth in the Commonwealth. Click here for the press release PSATS sent out.