Josh Shapiro proposes state climate program to replace RGGI, and asks for new renewable energy goals
Shapiro estimates the proposals would save ratepayers $250 million over five years and create 14,500 jobs.
Shapiro estimates the proposals would save ratepayers $250 million over five years and create 14,500 jobs.
Pennsylvania is set to become the first major fossil fuel-producing state to put a price on carbon emissions. The state oversight board for environmental regulations voted earlier this week to adopt the rule that will allow the commonwealth to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
The Environmental Quality Board voted Tuesday to approve a draft regulation that would have Pennsylvania join RGGI. It next goes up for public comment.
House Bill 2025 would require legislative approval for Pennsylvania to enter a program such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
The bill would bar the Department of Environmental Protection from taking any action that is designed to control carbon dioxide emissions, including participation in a regional greenhouse gas cap-and-trade program such as RGGI, unless the action is authorized by the General Assembly.
Pennsylvania may soon join a regional program meant to limit greenhouse gas emissions and increase investments in green transportation.
Administration officials said Gov. Tom Wolf will make the formal announcement that he’s ordering a start to the process of joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a consortium of northeastern and mid-Atlantic states.
The bill would allow Pennsylvania to set its own cap, or negotiate with a group of other states in a regional program.