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.
It’s Not Getting Better
Pennsylvania’s power generation sector is one of the nation’s largest — and thus, also, one of the biggest emitters of climate-changing greenhouse gases. Opponents of proven market-based solutions would have Pennsylvanians believe the problem will fix itself, but it’s not getting better.
Energy and Climate News
Governor’s Awards Recognize Environmental Excellence Across PA
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) will join the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in recognizing recipients of the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence
Industrial Sector Decarbonization Projects Will Employ Thousands in PA
Thousands of new jobs will be created to tackle carbon emissions from Pennsylvania’s industrial sector, if the state is successful in its bid for $475
Pennsylvania Legacies #212: Rising to the Occasion
Pennsylvania’s industrial sector contributes more greenhouse gas emissions than any other in the state. A new plan developed by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection