Harrisburg, Pennsylvania State Senate.
Voting day.
Today's vote was on the Pennsylvania Energy Security Act. This bill would grant the Pennsylvania Energy Administration emergency powers of eminent domain under specific conditions, allowing it to take over land prior to the resolution of compensation disputes.
It was a sledgehammer meant to smash through legal barriers.
Leo had prepared to fight a tough battle.
He had anticipated that the Republicans would launch a filibuster. He had expected the senators representing energy oligarchs to propose various amendments to stall for time. He had even predicted that organized protests might erupt outside the venue.
He had prepared ample contingency plans. However, nothing happened.
The voting process went surprisingly smoothly.
Although a few red "Nay" votes appeared on the tally board, no one stood up to deliver lengthy tirades, nor did anyone make an issue out of the procedures.
"BANG!"
The gavel fell.
