State-Level Representation

State-level representatives are in-direct decision-makers, typically serving in the state legislature. This means they have the power to make policies that could impact the project’s viability, but they are not directly involved in the existing permitting and approval process.

Lawrence County’s representation in Harrisburg is a mixed bag. Because the zoning rules are made at the local level and there clear state deference to the local authorities on this issue, members of the General Assembly operate as grasstops influencers in this context, not decision-makers. In Rep. Sainato, Vesper has a clear potential ally who understands the need for economic diversification, bringing new investments to the region, and creating opportunities to train the workforce on clean energy technologies that will make the region more competitive and cleaner. Therefore, Rep. Sainato can probably be constructively engaged and turned into an advocate for fair zoning rules that allow farmers to make choices for their own land—he may be influential with the supervisors and has a deep network and relationship with the local chambers of commerce and labor unions, and could help open doors to more constructive relationships with those groups. However, Senator Vogel appears less supportive of solar energy when it comes head to head with other interests. Vogel has held hearings in Harrisburg to further investigate how solar impacts agricultural land and the leasing practices of the industry. Engaging Vogel does not seem likely to yield benefits on either the agricultural zones prohibition or an eventual conditional use permit.

Elder A. Vogel, Jr. (R-PA-47): Elder Vogel is a Republican State Senator who represents Lawrence County and portions of Beaver and Butler counties. He has served since 2009 and his term is set to expire in 2024. Vogel serves on multiple local boards, including the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership, and he is a member of the local chambers of commerce and the Beaver-Lawrence Farm Bureau, where he used to serve as president. “While recognizing the importance of renewable energy and the potential for supplemental income for family farms and other agricultural operations, we must also weigh against the potential of losing one of our most valuable and vital resources,” Senator Vogel said during an opening statement for a hearing on solar’s impacts on agriculture. He also Vogel has a history of subsidizing energy and economic development projects in the region–in 2012, he sponsored SB 1563 which provided tax credits for Shell’s ethane cracker plant in Beaver County. Vogel and his wife operate a family farm in New Sewickley Township in Beaver County. He maintains Facebook and Twitter pages, and his legislative information can be found here. 

• Committees: Agriculture & Rural Affairs (Chair), Appropriations (Vice-Chair), Banking & Insurance, Environmental Resources & Energy, and Transporation.  

• Chris Sainato (D-PA-09): Rep. Sainato is a Democrat who represents portions of Lawrence County in the Pennsylvania State General Assembly. He has served since 1995. Sainato has been supportive of renewable energy, in particular positions Lawrence County to take advantage of workforce opportunities, saying “Our district has deep roots in manufacturing and industry and an extremely talented workforce, but it’s critical to keep pace with changing technologies and alternative energy sources.” He has been quoted in articles that reference Firefly and is generally supportive of embracing solar technology. He appears to have close ties with labor and the local chambers of commerce, so he may be a valuable ally for the project. He received his bachelors degree in Education and Social Services from Youngstown State University in Ohio after graduating from Union Area High School in 1977. He lives in New Castle. He maintains Facebook and Twitter pages, and his legislative information can be found here.  

• Committees: Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness (Chair)