Schuylkill County Delegates Split on Geothermal Bill, Back Exam Alternatives, and Back Tougher Penalties for Police Attackers

Context The Pennsylvania General Assembly wrapped up a busy week, passing 17 House bills and nine Senate bills. While the U.S. Congress met briefly, it cleared no legislation. This roundup focuses on how Schuylkill County’s four state representatives voted on three high‑profile measures.

Key Facts * Geothermal Energy (HB 2076) – The bill creates a permitting system and allows repurposing of abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal power. It cleared the House 118‑83 and moves to the Senate. In Schuylkill, Rep. Twardzik voted yes, while Reps. Barton, Stehr, and Watro voted no. * Keystone Exam Alternative (HB 1752) – The proposal orders an independent study on using the ACT or SAT instead of Pennsylvania’s Keystone Exams, which cost about $17.6 million annually to administer and score. The House approved it 191‑10. All four Schuylkill delegates—Barton, Stehr, Twardzik, and Watro—voted yes. * Sentencing for Attempted Murder of Officers (SB 1284) – The Senate bill raises the minimum sentence for attempted murder of a law‑enforcement officer from as low as seven years to 20 years, matching the penalty for assaulting an officer. It passed the Senate 41‑8 and now heads to the House. Rep. Argall, the county’s sole Republican in the Senate, voted yes.

What It Means The split on HB 2076 shows a partisan divide within the county’s delegation on expanding renewable energy infrastructure. Supporters argue geothermal could diversify Pennsylvania’s energy mix and reuse old wells; opponents worry about regulatory burdens and fiscal risk. Unanimous backing of the Keystone exam study reflects broad concern over the $17.6 million yearly cost and a desire for schools to have more testing flexibility. If the study recommends ACT or SAT adoption, Pennsylvania could see a shift in high‑school assessment practices and potential savings. The vote for SB 1284 signals strong bipartisan support for protecting law‑enforcement officers. Raising the minimum sentence aims to deter violent attacks and align penalties with those for assault.

Looking Ahead Watch the Senate’s deliberations on the geothermal bill and the House’s handling of the sentencing amendment. The outcome will shape Pennsylvania’s energy policy, education testing, and criminal‑justice landscape.