The Pennsylvania Environmental Council today praised the introduction of bipartisan legislation – Senate Bill 15, sponsored by Senator Jay Costa (Allegheny County) – that would both direct the state to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide in the electric generation sector and establish an Energy Transition Fund.
“Senate Bill 15 starts Pennsylvania on the right path toward a decarbonized energy sector and economy,” said John Walliser, Senior Vice President for Legal & Government Affairs for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. “Not only will this legislation advance proven, market-based approach to reducing emissions, it will direct proceeds to programs that will spur investment and innovation, create jobs, benefit consumers, and help address the needs of vulnerable communities while reducing air pollution.”
Senate Bill 15 directs the state Department of Environmental Protection to advance its proposed rulemaking to initiate Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), with a broader goal of achieving net zero emissions in the electric power sector by 2050. The legislation also establishes an Energy Transition Fund to guide investments of RGGI proceeds for an array of initiatives to support energy affordability and efficiency, clean energy, and an equitable transition to a decarbonized economy.
“Pennsylvania needs an ‘all-in’ approach to achieving a net zero economy, one that will look to spur investment and drive innovation, create jobs, and benefit consumers while also reducing our emissions,” Walliser said. “That approach is achievable, and it needs to happen now. Senate Bill 15 is a key first step. We commend the sponsors of this legislation and urge its advancement in the General Assembly.”