HARRISBURG, April 6, 2017 – State Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) released the following statement after the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved the proposed settlement agreement with ride sharing company Uber Technologies.
While a proponent of Act 164 of 2016 that gave the PUC authority to regulate ride-share companies, Costa has long been a vocal critic of special provisions contained in the law which capped fines and penalties for Uber specifically at $250,000.
Costa had raised the special legislation during Senate floor debates and in a petition pending before the Commonwealth Court.
From Feb. to August of 2014, Uber was cited for 123,000 violations of operating without PUC authority and providing transportation services to the public for compensation without authorization.
Costa’s statement follows:
“I am pleased that a settlement agreement has been reached between the PUC and Uber Technologies. Today’s settlement of $3.5 million is the highest penalty ever imposed by the PUC on a utility. This issue lingered without resolution for far too long, preventing us from moving forward with full implementation of the ride-share legislation passed in Nov. 2016.
“Let me be clear – I have always been supportive of the ride-share concept and believe it to be a valuable part of our transportation network across Pennsylvania. However, I believe that all companies, regardless of industry, should be treated fairly, especially with respect to fines and penalties. No organization should have the benefit of special legislation being submitted for consideration specific to its individual needs.
“However, in this case, that’s exactly what was done. Act 164 was passed in the final moments of our two-year legislative session in November. Prior to passage, the bill was amended to include a retroactive provision for Uber, capping its financial penalty at $250,000 – far less than the $11.4 million for the 123,000 violations the company had accrued in fines for operating in the state without authority.
“Today’s approval of the settlement agreement brings closure to a complex case. My sincere thanks to our PUC Commissioners for their commitment to this issue and willingness to work with us to reach a settlement to which all parties could agree.”
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HARRISBURG, June 13, 2013 – Senate Democratic Leader Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said Senate Democrats believe Gov. Tom Corbett has made excellent choices in selecting highly qualified, experienced, skilled and dedicated public servants as nominees to fill vacancies on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, Turnpike Commission, Liquor Control Board (LCB) and Public Utility Commission (PUC).
Costa said Senate Democrats think the governor’s choices are balanced and thoughtful and that they cross political lines.
Corbett nominated Superior Court President Judge Correale F. Stevens to fill the vacancy on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, former U.S. Rep. Tim Holden for the Liquor Control Board, former state Sen. Sean Logan to fill a spot on the Turnpike Commission, and Senate Democratic Deputy Chief Counsel Gladys M. Brown for the Public Utility Commission.
Costa issued the following statement about the governor’s nominees:
“The governor made excellent choices for each of these positions and Senate Democrats are very pleased with the nominees. These individuals are exceptional and accomplished and, once confirmed, we have no doubt they will make significant contributions as members of the Supreme Court, LCB, Turnpike and PUC.
“The nominees are very talented and each has achieved a great deal in their careers in public service. Judge Stevens is a skilled, experienced jurist with a long career on the bench and in other public service positions. He is able and talented and will be a superb addition to the court.
“Rep. Tim Holden had a long career in Congress and has deep roots in Schuylkill County. He was a leader and a fighter in Washington D.C. and crafted important federal law. Rep. Holden will be able to continue his work in public service and will play a significant role in shaping policies that meet the needs of Pennsylvania as a member of the LCB.
“Gov. Corbett’s nominee for the Turnpike Commission, Sen. Sean Logan, is a former colleague from Allegheny County. Sean is a leader who has been intimately involved in key issues as a senator and as the mayor of Monroeville. His work at each stop in his career in public service has been significant. His knowledge of transportation and finance issues will enable Sean to make an immediate and long-lasting contribution as a member of the commission.
“Gladys Brown has the education, background, experience and expertise to be a leader on the broad issues that come before the PUC. Gladys’ knowledge of utility issues is thorough and her work product is impeccable. For many years, she has helped the members of the Senate craft legislation and has worked on many important measures relating to public utilities and other matters. Gladys’ work is highly valued and I have no doubt that she will be an outstanding member of the PUC.”
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