The Pennsylvania Environmental Council issued the following statement on today’s introduction of the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) and Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction (PACER) bills:
PEC is pleased to see the legislation introduced today to decarbonize the power sector and update Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) for a clean energy economy. Together, these bills would address climate pollution while building a better future for communities and businesses alike.
PEC has long supported both a cap-and-invest program and a clean energy standard that brings multiple clean energy technologies to the table. In 2019, we published the Decarbonization Pathways Report, which recommends, among other things, strengthening the AEPS. The current, outdated standards jeopardize our status as an energy exporter while other states attract clean energy generation, manufacturing, and investment.
PEC supports Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which is the optimal strategy to reduce emissions, benefit consumers, and create new energy jobs. We are hopeful that PACER will advance meaningful dialogue with the General Assembly to advance these shared goals.
“We applaud the sponsors for their leadership to adopt inclusive and adaptive policies that will ensure Pennsylvania remains an energy leader while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, cleaning up our air and creating family-sustaining jobs,” said PEC President Thomas Gilbert.
PEC looks forward to continuing its work with the Governor, General Assembly, and all stakeholders on adopting transformative energy policy for the Commonwealth.