Both Senator Mensch and Representative Webster are generally supportive of renewable energy, including solar. Rep. Webster is especially supportive and has spoken publicly in support of building more renewable in the region. Because the Cranberry Hollow project is located on state lands near the correctional facility, and it will not be taking vast tracts of agricultural land out of production, it is unlikely that any opposition would come from either member. Neither are decision-makers, but could be engaged as grasstops influencers if they are briefed on the project and its benefits and can be leveraged in the right context. Still, neither are likely to deeply engage. Circumstances may change after the 2022 election.
PA State Senate
Bob Mensch (R-PA-24): Sen. Mensch is a Republican representing Pennsylvania’s 24th Senate district and was first elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2008. His term expires in 2022. Mensch was elected as Majority Caucus Chairman of the Republican caucus in the Senate. His self-described top legislative priority is “ensuring the Commonwealth has economic development and tax policies that promote economic expansion and job creation and make Pennsylvania the place where business and industry want to be and individuals want to live.” Prior to his election to the state Senate, Mensch served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 147th Legislative District. Before being elected to the PA House, Mensch served as a Marlborough Township Supervisor and Chairman of the Upper Perkiomen Regional Planning Commission. He attended the Valley Forge Military College in 1965 and graduated from Upper Perkiomen High School. He maintains a Facebook page.
- While Mensch is economically and fiscally conservative, he appears relatively moderate on energy issues. Conservatives for a Clean Energy Future named him one of their CCEF 2020 Clean Energy Champions. He previously supported legislation that would encourage local community solar programs.
- Mensch is not seeking re-election in 2022. Jill Dennin (D) and Tracy Pennycuick (R) have emerged from their respective party primaries and will face off in the November General Election. Dennin’s campaign is primarily focused on infrastructure and property tax relief, whereas Pennycuick, a current member of the PA House, has focused on inflation and high gas prices–citing statewide issues like RGGI for keeping prices high.
- Committees: Health & Human Services; Appropriations; Communications & Technology; Community, Economic & Recreational Development; Labor & Industry
PA General Assembly
Joe Webster (D-PA-150): Rep. Webster is a Democrat representing Pennsylvania’s 150th legislative district and was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 2018. He is up for reelection in 2022. As a member of the PA House, his priorities have included improving education outcomes, protecting Pennsylvania’s natural resources and environment, reducing gun violence, and improving health care access. Prior to joining he worked in commerce and was a Professor of National Security Strategy for the Air University in Montgomery, AL. Before returning to Pennsylvania in 2011, Webster was an Assistant Professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy and worked for over 20 years at the Pentagon. He earned his degree at Wright State University, by attending the Naval War College, as well as obtaining a PhD in Public Policy from The George Washington University. He maintains a Facebook page.
- Webster appears firmly in the pro-renewable camp. He’s been clear that the U.S. needs to build more renewables for environmental and geopolitical reasons. For example, he co-signed this op-ed in Penn Live.
- Committees: Appropriations, Finance, Policy Committee, State Government, Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness
- Relevant Caucuses: Climate Caucus, Southeast Delegation
