Air
A path to Pennsylvania’s clean-energy future.
As the nation’s largest exporter of electricity, Pennsylvania has a critical role to play in the transition to a zero-carbon economy. Decarbonizing power generation is the first and biggest step toward that future, but cutting emissions alone isn’t enough. We must manage the transition in a way that meets the need for clean electricity and creates wealth to be reinvested in further innovation, while at the same time protecting and supporting communities vulnerable to the shocks of a changing energy market and a changing climate. From passage of the 2008 Climate Change Act to Pennsylvania’s anticipated entry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon market, PEC has been a respected voice in the discussion and an effective advocate for policies that move Pennsylvania’s grid closer to decarbonization.
Pennsylvania is also the nation’s second-largest producer of natural gas. Gas remains an important piece of the energy puzzle, heating homes and businesses, and replacing coal-fired power generation with a cleaner burning alternative. However, the clean-energy potential of gas is compromised by the release of methane during production and distribution. In fact, when it comes to trapping heat in the atmosphere, methane is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in the near term. Since the shale gas boom began, PEC has helped to advance better rules and tighter emission controls at the state level, while working with industry leaders to voluntarily improve their practices.
Programs

An all-in approach to eliminating greenhouse gas emissions from electric power generation.

Policy solutions to combat climate-changing methane emissions from Pennsylvania’s natural gas supply chain.

Promoting and facilitating the purchase of CO2 offset credits by businesses, institutions, and individuals.
Air, Energy & Climate Policy
Find information, analysis, important dates, and status updates on pending state legislation and regulation related to climate change and clean energy in Pennsylvania.
Energy and Climate News

Pennsylvania Legacies #184: Plugging Away
Pennsylvania’s landscape is riddled with abandoned oil and gas wells that were never properly shut down and sealed up, including hundreds of thousands for which

PEC Applauds Governor-Elect Shapiro’s Nominations for DCNR and DEP
For immediate release January 10, 2023 Contact: Josh Raulerson, Director of Communications 412-209-7982 PEC Applauds Governor-Elect Shapiro’s Nominations for DCNR and DEP Building Agency Strengths

Pennsylvania Legacies #182: Leading the Charge
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted unanimously last month to study how electric utilities will meet the demand when Pennsylvania drivers transition to electric vehicles.