Federal Representation

The Federal delegation that represents this region in Washington, D.C. comprises two Senators and one member of the House of Representatives. With the exception of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements (if applicable), the Federal government for most intents and purposes does not have decision-making authority over the project in the political process. But like their state-level counterparts, they can act as “grasstops” in a local community and their opinion carries sway in the state. 

Pennsylvania’s Senate delegation is unlikely to get involved in the project. Bob Casey generally supports renewable energy and Senator Toomey is a lame-duck. While Firefly is a large project, it is unlikely to get on their radar. Congressman Mike Kelly has a greater likelihood of speaking out on the project, though he does not have any power levers to dictate the project’s future. Monitor Rep. Kelly’s comments when he is campaigning in Lawrence County as he may be asked to take a position on the project or renewable energy during his reelection bid. His district extends up to Erie, so he is mostly likely to only speak about it while in Lawrence County. It is not recommended to do proactive outreach to any members of the federal delegation regarding this project, but simply be prepared to potentially respond if any choose to comment on the project.   

Senator Bob Casey (D): Bob Casey, Jr. is a Democrat who has represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate since 2007. He is up for reelection in 2024. Prior to serving in Congress, Casey served eight years as Pennsylvania’s Auditor General and two years as State Treasurer. Before that, he practiced law in Scranton. He graduated from The College of the Holy Cross in 1982, spent a gap year teaching fifth grade in Philadelphia, and graduated with his law degree from Catholic University in Washington in 1988. Senator Casey has been vocal about the dangers of global climate change though he is not in favor of a national fracking ban. He is very supportive of expanding renewable energy, including solar, saying “By making bold investments in renewable energy technologies that will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we will not only tackle the climate crisis, but will improve the health of our communities and create thousands of good-paying jobs. We can and we must do both.”       

• Committees: Finance; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions; Select Committee on Intelligence; Special Committee on Aging

Senator Pat Toomey (R): Pat Toomey is a Republican who has represented Pennsylvania in the U.S. Senate since 2011. He is not seeking reelection in 2022 (see below). As a member of the Senate, Toomey has focused much of his attention on tax and finance issues, making tax reform and cuts a major plank of his agenda. The Senate support fossil energy exploration in Pennsylvania and elsewhere and has opposed subsidies and incentives for energy sources such as renewable and biofuels. His website touts his efforts to move legislation that would have ended the production and investment tax credits for renewables. He has also been quoted multiple times saying that the existing body of climate science does not merit new regulatory burdens on consumers. Before being elected to the Senate, Toomey worked at Deutsche Bank, opened a restaurant with his brothers in Allentown, PA, and served on Allentown’s Government Study Commission. In 1998, Toomey was elected to the House of Representatives representing the Lehigh Valley. After leaving the House in 2004, Toomey became president of the Club for Growth, a conservative, pro-business 501(c)4, which opposed cap and trade legislation in 2009. He graduated from Harvard University.  

• Toomey is retiring in 2022 leaving his Senate seat open. Candidates John Fetterman (D) and Dr. Mehmet Oz (R) advanced passed the May 2022 Primaries. Fetterman is supportive of renewable energy and providing clean energy job opportunities for disadvantaged and de-industrializing communities. Dr. Oz is less clear on the issue of renewables and has instead focused on increasing oil and gas production in Pennsylvania. He is previously quoted as saying, “The Green New Deal, it’s not real, and it can’t be done. I am telling you as a scientist.” However, there is a lot of daylight and nuance between the GND fundamentalist position and developing one-off solar projects. 
• Committees: Finance; Budget; and Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs 

Congressman Mike Kelly (R-PA-16): Mike Kelly is a conservative Republican who has represented PA-16 since 2009. He is seeking re-election in 2022. He was born and raised in western Pennsylvania, living the last 50 years in Butler. Prior to joining Congress, Kelly served on the Butler City Council and sat on boards of local organizations such as the Redevelopment Authority of Butler County and the Boy Scouts of America. He also owns and operates a car dealership that sells Chevrolet-Cadillac, Hyundai, and Kia. Kelly is the treasurer of the Hyundai “Hope on Wheels” initiative. Kelly is pro-natural gas and fossil energy development. He has not been particularly supportive of clean energy initiatives in Washington, however, did support Congressionally directed funding (an earmark) for nearly $500,000 to repair the Meadville Public Library and include rooftop solar.     

• Committees: Ways & Means
• Relevant Caucuses: Steel Caucus, Manufacturing Caucus, Marcellus Shale Caucus, Healthy Futures Task Force, Coal Caucus, Job Creators Caucus, Natural Gas Caucus, Republican Study Committee