Contact: Tom Schuster, Director, Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, tom.schuster@sierraclub.org
HARRISBURG, Pa. — In a major setback for Pennsylvania’s environment, economy, and public health, Governor Josh Shapiro and House Democratic leadership agreed to the demands of Senate Republicans to abandon the 11-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) as part of the state budget deal.
Finalized on Earth Day in 2022, the regulation linking Pennsylvania to RGGI would have placed a cap on climate-disrupting carbon dioxide (CO2) pollution from power plants that declined by 3% per year. Generators would comply with the emissions limits by purchasing and retiring an allowance for each ton of CO2 they release, and proceeds from the sale were to be deposited in the state’s Clean Air Fund for investment in projects to further improve air quality, such as clean energy development and energy efficiency measures.
Coal and gas interests and Republican legislators immediately appealed the rule, and it has been tied up in the courts for over three years. The state Supreme Court heard oral arguments in May, and was expected to issue a ruling on the constitutionality of the rule soon. Since RGGI implementation has been on hold, Pennsylvania has missed out at least $3 billion dollars in allowance proceeds that could have been re-invested to transform our energy economy.
This deal leaves Pennsylvania with no policy in place to limit the amount of climate disrupting pollution from any sector of our economy.
In response, Tom Schuster, Director of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, issued the following statement:
“It is unconscionable that Senate Republicans’ top demand in this budget negotiation was continued, unfettered climate destabilization for the sake of polluter profits. And it is beyond disappointing that Governor Shapiro and House Democrats gave in to that demand.
RGGI is the single most effective tool available to achieve the Governor’s own stated goals to “address climate change, protect and create energy jobs, and ensure Pennsylvania has reliable, affordable, and clean power for the long term.” When introducing his Lightning Plan, Governor Shapiro himself said, “Doing nothing at this moment is not an option.” Yet giving up RGGI without a replacement is doing exactly nothing.
As states across the country drive the clean energy revolution, Pennsylvania is mired in 49th place in renewable energy growth. Walking away from RGGI and its billions of dollars in targeted investments betrays Pennsylvania workers, communities, and families who are counting on clean, reliable, affordable power and a fair shot at the new energy economy. The Commonwealth deserves leadership that fights for a liveable future, rather than selling out for short-term political bargains. ”
About the Sierra Club: The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.