Comitta, Saval Join PennEnvironment for Rooftop Solar Tour at NE Philly Warehouse
Philadelphia, Pa – State Senators Nikil Saval and Carolyn Comitta, State Rep. Dougherty, and Solar States joined PennEnvironment for a rooftop solar tour at Greenfield Manufacturing, a warehouse in Northeast Philadelphia with an extensive rooftop solar installation. The tour highlighted the immense potential for solar energy generation on warehouse rooftops, an under-utilized space for solar panels. A recent PennEnvironment study found that if all of the warehouses in Pennsylvania added solar to their roofs it would generate enough electricity to power more than 820,000 homes and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“Warehouses have immense solar energy potential and can be a key component in moving Pennsylvania towards more clean, renewable energy generation,” said Belle Sherwood, PennEnvironment Clean Energy Advocate. “Putting solar panels on Pennsylvania’s warehouses would be good for communities, good for the electricity grid, and most importantly, good for our environment,”
Pennsylvania Senators Nikil Saval and Carolyn Comitta have proposed legislation that would help unlock the solar energy potential of warehouses and distribution centers across the state by requiring all new warehouses and distribution centers constructed in Pennsylvania be “solar-ready”. The senators’ legislation would also provide a tax credit for existing warehouses and distribution centers to make the necessary retrofits to be considered solar-ready.
“We have the technology we need right now to arrest climate change, advance a green and prosperous economy, and make life healthier, safer, and more affordable for working people and communities throughout Pennsylvania, and our built environment plays a key role,” said State Senator Nikil Saval. “If we harness the energy-generating capacity of the more than 500 million square feet of suitable rooftop space that sits atop warehouses across our commonwealth, we could power nearly a million households per year on solar energy alone.”
“Warehouses, distribution centers, and commercial buildings account for a significant portion of our carbon emissions. Meanwhile, they can be ideal sites for solar panels,” said State Senator Carolyn Comitta. “As the growth of e-commerce continues to drive warehouse development in Pennsylvania, this legislation can help ensure that they are ready to harness the economic, environmental, and public health benefits of solar energy.”
Greenfield Manufacturing is already seeing the benefits of their rooftop solar array. Their 3,600-panel system, installed by Solar States last year, generates more than 100% of the warehouse’s energy needs. They’re able to return any excess solar energy back to the grid, helping to alleviate the strain on the electricity grid and make their energy bills negative. Greenfield gets over $1,000 for their solar power production each month.
Greenfield Manufacturing is located in Pennsylvania Representative Sean Dougherty’s state house district in northeast Philadelphia. He says, “my neighbors are seeing energy costs increase exponentially because of energy-intensive warehouses popping up across Northeast Philadelphia. I’m proud to co-sponsor Solar Warehouses (HB 1260 sponsored by Rep. Josh Siegel) because it allows clean energy to be generated in-house, at their OWN warehouse. This will reduce the cost of electricity for everyone in our neighborhood.”
Advocates note that there’s never been a better time for businesses to invest in solar energy, since the cost of solar has decreased significantly over the past decade. It’s estimated that the cost of utility-scale solar decreased by 90 percent between 2009-2020.
“We have a 4.5-billion-year-old nuclear reactor in the sky that is raining down energy on us every day,” said Micah Gold-Markel. “If we don’t use it, it’s a waste.”
With rising utility bills and strain on the region’s electricity grid, tour attendees noted the need to diversify Pennsylvania’s energy mix. Currently, Pennsylvania gets only 4% of utility-scale energy from renewable sources, which includes solar, wind, and geothermal. Advocates noted that building more renewable energy sources adds much-needed capacity to the grid and moves Pennsylvania away from polluting fossil fuels, and that warehouses are a great place to start.
Comitta Invites High School Juniors to Apply for 2026 Student Advisory Council
West Chester, Pa (November 13, 2025) – To support the next generation of public servants and learn more about the issues that matter most to them, state Senator Carolyn Comitta is welcoming high school students who live in her district to apply for the 2026 Student Advisory Council.
“So many students and young people in Chester County are already working to strengthen their communities and build a brighter future for Pennsylvania. Joining our Student Advisory Council can help expand their interest in public service and take their talents to the next level,” said Comitta. “I invite students to apply to learn more about our state government, further develop their skills, and have an opportunity to advance their priorities.”
The council, now in its fourth year, is open to high school juniors residing in the 19th Senatorial District. It brings together students from across the area to learn the roles and responsibilities within a state senate office and gather youth perspectives on the pressing issues facing the Commonwealth.
“The Student Advisory Council was by far my favorite extracurricular in high school. It was incredibly well organized, informative, and helped me discover my interests and passions,” said Delisha Makdani, a senior at Conestoga High School who participated in last year’s Student Advisory Council. “I also met so many new friends with similar goals and was surrounded by a community of like-minded peers. The staff was so supportive, and I found myself looking forward to every meeting.
“Even after the program ended, I’ve stayed in touch with the people I met, including the staff, who have continued to be so helpful and encouraging. I would recommend applying for the Student Advisory Council, even if you don’t plan to pursue a related field,” she added.
Council members are expected to attend a weekly meeting every Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m., beginning in late January and running through the end of April.
Interested students can apply online at pasenatorcomitta.com/studentadvisorycouncil2026. Applications must be submitted by Friday, December 5, at noon. Late applications will not be accepted.
Upon submission of an application, students will be contacted for an interview.
Student applicants will be selected based on their demonstrated passion for service, prior experience and volunteer opportunities, and enthusiasm for progress through public policy.
For any questions about the council and the application process, interested applicants may contact Senator Comitta’s Director of Constituent Services, Ethan Shaffer, at ethan.shaffer@pasenate.com or by calling 610-692-2112.
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Comitta Votes to Pass State Budget, Ending Months-Long Impasse
Harrisburg, Pa (November 12, 2025) — State Senator Carolyn Comitta released the following statement after voting for a budget agreement and related code bills that ended the state budget impasse:
“I am thankful that we were finally able to reach a compromise and pass a budget that invests in public education, safety, job growth, affordability, and the services that so many of our neighbors depend on.
Better yet, we were able to do it without touching the Rainy Day Fund or raising taxes. In fact, the budget includes a tax cut for nearly 1 million working Pennsylvanians and their families through a new program – the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit.
While the budget should have never taken this long, it delivers some stability and reliability for people being impacted by the ongoing turbulence and confusion at the federal level.
Government works through collaboration, bipartisanship, mutual respect, and compromise. This budget has some bright spots, but voting for it required putting aside Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which I have been working toward for years.
It was a tough decision, but it was the right one to move forward from this budget impasse and find a new way to reduce energy costs and cut carbon emissions.”
The budget also includes investments and reforms in the following areas:
Education:
- $526 million in new funding to meet our court-order obligation to adequately and constitutionally fund our public schools.
- $175 million in school district savings from cyber charter funding reform.
- $40 million increase in special education funding.
- $30 million for student teacher stipends.
Safety:
- Additional funding for new state police cadet classes.
- $61 million in targeted investments to reduce violent crime and gun violence.
- $10 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
Affordability and Economic Growth:
- $193 million back to families for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit.
- $25 million to recruit and retain childcare workers.
- $2.5 to support emergency housing at the local level.
- $8.8 million to attract and retain businesses in Pennsylvania.
- $50 million for special events coming to Pennsylvania in the next year like America250, the FIFA World Cup, the NFL Draft, the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, and the MLB All Star Game.
Community Services:
- $11 million increase for food programs.
- $10 million increase for home and community-based services for seniors.
- $21 million increase for direct care workers.
- $5 million increase for public libraries.
Sen. Comitta Remarks on State Budget & RGGI
Dozens of Families Participate in Community Baby Shower in Oxford
West Chester, Pa (November 10, 2025) – Nearly 200 parents, families, and children recently came together at State Senator Carolyn Comitta’s Community Baby Shower in Oxford.
The free event, organized by Comitta, the Maternal and Child Health Consortium, and the Maternity Care Coalition, connected expectant parents and families with the many free resources and programs available to them in Chester County.
Held at the Oxford Presbyterian Church this fall, the Community Baby Shower featured more than 30 nonprofit organizations and agencies, informational presentations and demonstrations, a workshop on car seat safety, games and raffles, diaper and diaper bag giveaways, and family-friendly activities.
“Raising a child is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, but it’s not always easy, especially in uncertain times. Fortunately, community support makes all the difference,” said Comitta, a member of the Pennsylvania Women’s Health Caucus. “Chester County is home to dozens of groups that are here to help with everything from health and wellness services to educational programs to nutritional support, transportation, and more.
“It was wonderful to see so many mothers, babies, and families join us,” said Milena Lanz, Executive Director of the Maternal and Child Health Consortium. “With support from Senator Comitta, her staff and Maternity Care Coalition, families learned about car seat safety and connected with local providers offering valuable resources for moms and babies.”
“These events are more than just a celebration to us – they are an expression of care, support, connection, and commitment to the health and well-being of expectant parents and families in our community,” said Karen Pollack, Executive Vice President of Programs and Operations at the Maternity Care Coalition.
As a parent and grandparent, Comitta said she understands firsthand the importance of community when raising children.
“The Community Baby Shower is one of my favorite events because I have the opportunity to see the precious young children who are the future of our country, to interact with the parents and guardians who are helping raise them, and to help them build relationships with others on the same journey,” Comitta said. “Our children are the future, and we all benefit by helping nurture and shape them into strong, smart, and successful individuals.”
This marks Senator Comitta’s second Community Baby Shower in 2025, continuing her commitment to supporting maternal and child health across Chester County and beyond.
Comitta Holds Community Baby Shower
Comitta Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Comitta Issues Statement on State Budget Impasse, Federal Government Shutdown
West Chester, Pa (October 7, 2025) — State Senator Carolyn Comitta issued the following statement on the state budget impasse and the federal government shutdown:
“Like many Pennsylvanians, I am very concerned about the state budget impasse and the federal government shutdown.
First, please know that Pennsylvania government is open and running. Our state parks, legislators’ offices, and governmental agencies are open, and we’re working. My district office staff is here for you. We are doing whatever we can to help impacted constituents and families during this chaotic and uncertain time.
I want to reemphasize that I remain ready and eager to vote on a state budget agreement that works for Chester County communities, families, workers, and businesses. We support a budget plan that funds vital services without raising taxes.
The Senate is in session this week, with additional session days scheduled for later this month. Hopefully, there will be an opportunity to pass a budget during that time. However, given the current lack of dialogue and ongoing atmosphere of hyper-partisanship, I am not optimistic.
Unlike our federal government, Pennsylvania has a divided legislature. Although I am not directly involved in budget negotiations, I believe that Pennsylvania House and Senate Democrats, as well as the Governor, have shown that they are willing to compromise to end this impasse. A compromise, however, requires both sides to make sacrifices and concessions.
At the federal level, the tone coming from Congress and the White House is not only unproductive – it’s toxic. Although the makeup is different from Pennsylvania’s (the Republicans control the House, Senate, and the Presidency), there are some striking parallels. When one side decides that it must win at all costs on every issue, we all lose. When one side decides gridlock and shutdowns are worth it to win political points, we all pay the price. That’s what’s happening right now.
Voters elect public officials to work in their best interest – that means working together, not trying to actively disrespect, humiliate, and destroy each other every step of the way. Right now, because of the lack of a state budget, schools, childcare centers, mental health providers, libraries, food banks, crime victim services, rape crisis centers, and more are facing cuts, layoffs, and disruptions in critical services.
Meanwhile, the federal government shutdown has further complicated and exacerbated the impact on these and other services, as the Commonwealth receives and relies on significant federal funding to support them, not to mention approximately 10,000 employees.
I sincerely hope the concerns heightened by the federal government shutdown motivate my colleagues in the Senate majority to come to the negotiating table in good faith and end the state budget stalemate. We have 23 Democratic Senators in the state legislature who are ready to vote on a budget agreement that works for Pennsylvania.
I entered public service for our children and grandchildren – to create a better, safer, healthier, and cleaner world for this generation and the next. That requires leaders working together to find common ground for the common good. Sadly, these days, that seems increasingly uncommon. The state budget stalemate and the federal government shutdown aren’t serving our children or grandchildren. Frankly, they’re not setting a very good example for them either.
At the same time, I appreciate my colleagues in government who are. Reaching across the aisle to solve problems is the way forward and it starts with respect and relationships. I thank our representatives in Congress who, like U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan and U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean, are striving to keep the spirit of bipartisanship alive by appealing to their counterparts as fellow elected officials and public servants. That’s how we’re going to cut through this mess, and that’s how we should all be treating each other – not as Republicans or Democrats or political foes – as people, as neighbors, as Pennsylvanians, and Americans. At the end of the day, our political differences and cultural battles are small compared to what we can gain by working together and what’s at stake if we don’t.
The state budget impasse and the federal government shutdown are opportunities for elected officials to demonstrate that we can still work together. This is a chance to show that we care more about our constituents than winning points, settling scores, or advancing political ambitions. Let’s get back to work and do our jobs.”
Comitta, West Goshen Police to Host Free Damaged License Plate Replacement Event Thursday November 13
West Chester, Pa (October 6, 2025) – To help drivers replace hard-to-read or damaged license plates on their vehicle, State Senator Carolyn Comitta and the West Goshen Police Department are hosting a free License Plate Replacement Event on November 13 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the West Goshen Township Building.
“Having a damaged or hard-to-read license plate could result in drivers getting pulled over or fined. To prevent that from happening to you, I’m partnering with the West Goshen Police Department to offer this free service,” said Comitta. “Please be sure to register now so you get your new license plate as quickly and efficiently as possible.”
License plates that require replacement have one or more numbers or letters that cannot be recognized from 50 feet away or show blistering, peeling, discoloration or loss of reflectivity.
This opportunity is open to all residents of the 19th Senatorial District. Advanced registration is required to participate, and spots are limited. Interested attendees must schedule an appointment at pasenatorcomitta.com/licenseplate2025
Eligible attendees will be contacted by Senator Comitta’s office and sent the required PennDOT forms to apply for replacement. At the event, a West Goshen Police officer will verify which plates need to be replace before filling out the forms. Once the forms are delivering to PennDOT and processed, new plates will be mailed directly to drivers or available for pickup at Senator Comitta’s West Chester district office.
Those unable to participate in the event but need to replace their hard-to-read or damaged license plate should contact Senator Comitta’s West Chester district office at 610-692-2112 or pasenatorcomitta.com/contact for more information.