A bill to ensure state residents have choices when it comes to fuel availability was approved recently with bipartisan support from the state Senate.

Senate Bill 311, known as “Energy Choice,” would limit municipal entities from banning a specific type of fuel source for appliances and heating homes or businesses. The language is fuel-neutral and is not specific to any one energy source.

“It’s simply about consumer choice and keeping energy costs low,” said state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, the bill’s sponsor, according to a news release.

“When municipal governments start picking winners and losers, then we have a serious problem. Pennsylvania residents have a myriad of energy options to choose from and we should keep it that way.”

Yaw referenced Berkeley, which was the first city in the nation to ban natural gas hookups in new construction. The 2019 move was an effort to keep buildings and homes from using fossil fuels.

“Many of my constituents still use wood to heat their homes,” Yaw continued. “Are we going to stop them next?”

Currently, 26 states have enacted energy choice legislation. Yaw noted the bill is supported by the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Manufacturer and Business Association and the Energy Association of Pennsylvania, which consists of natural gas and electric utilities.

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.