With the Support of a Majority of Pennsylvanians, State Officially Links to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

(HARRISBURG, Pa. – April 22, 2022) Tomorrow, the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) will publish the final form rule (available to view online today) that promulgates Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), after a multi-year and extensive public process. EDF has long advocated for Pennsylvania to take advantage of the proven, market-based program to drive down pollution and drive up investments in Pennsylvania that will help the commonwealth be a leader in the clean economy.

“As a state historically known for its fossil fuel production, Pennsylvania’s entry into RGGI marks a major milestone in the country’s shift toward a clean energy future. And it positions Pennsylvania to remain an energy production leader as the world and major businesses look to build the zero-carbon economy. Governor Wolf is to be applauded for his unwavering commitment to RGGI, a program that will meaningfully tackle climate change in the commonwealth and beyond, while also acting as an economic engine for good.

“Pennsylvanians understand that RGGI’s market-based mechanism supports the clean energy future they want, need, and know will bring about jobs and economic development that is sustainable in the long term, while providing investments that can lower electric bills. And they are ready for it. The scale of these transformational opportunities simply would not exist absent Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI. Adoption of RGGI is also coming at a time of renewed focus on the need to act on climate and to get off the fossil fuel supply roller coaster that is harming Americans’ health, lives, and pocketbooks.

“Instead of obstructing progress and endangering Pennsylvania’s future, the Pennsylvania legislature should move on the RGGI Investments Act, a bill that will spur investment in transitioning energy communities and in environmental justice communities that have long sought support from state leaders.”

• Mandy Warner, Director, Climate and Clean Air Policy, Environmental Defense Fund

More background:

While the rule’s publication has been the subject of intense obstruction and delay tactics by opponents who would rather ignore climate change and the public’s support for action, a 2020 poll found that 72% of Pennsylvanians support the state’s participation in RGGI, with “broad support for RGGI’s improvement of air quality, health and climate change.”

Linking to RGGI will facilitate reductions in power sector carbon emissions while generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually in proceeds that can be deployed toward cleaner energy and energy efficiency as well as fairness for workers and communities experiencing the energy transition that is well underway.

Pennsylvania’s link to RGGI will allow it to participate in the program’s quarterly auction of emissions allowances and attendant proceeds slated for September 7.