The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee Wednesday reported out House Bill 2354 (Snyder-D-Fayette) which requires Senate and House approval of any plan DEP submits to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from existing power plants.

“The legislation, House Bill 2354, provides a safety net for Pennsylvanians on electricity costs and reliability,” said Rep. Snyder, a member of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, which sent the measure to the full House for consideration by virtue of a 19-5 vote.

“The bill does not alter the proposed federal mandate to cut coal plants’ carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent by 2030 but would enlist all stakeholders and consider all strategies as we move forward,” Rep. Snyder said. “The state plan would face approvals by the legislature before it can be submitted to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.”

Rep. Snyder said cooperation and consensus are much better strategies than assuming that the EPA will do what’s best for Pennsylvania.

“We need to explore all energy sources, technologies and options, including adopting energy efficiency programs, working in tandem with other coal states and employing the best strategies and data available,” Rep. Snyder said. “The emission curbs are coming, but Pennsylvania has a responsibility to see that they work and that they work in our best interest.”

Rep. Snyder said DEP would be required to hold public hearings across the commonwealth, including at locations that would feel direct, economic impacts from the federal regulations, before submitting a plan to the General Assembly.

"Pennsylvania’s input and unique energy blend are critical to protecting the affordability and reliability of Pennsylvania’s electricity supplies while implementing the standards," Rep. Snyder said. "Federal law provides for state input and guidance on the proposed rules, and I aim to make sure that Pennsylvania submits a plan that curbs emissions while protecting jobs, pocketbooks and power supplies.”

On Tuesday, the House overwhelmingly adopted Rep. Snyder’s House Resolution 815, which asks the EPA to accord Pennsylvania maximum flexibility in addressing the proposed emission standards.

The bill was then referred to the House Rules Committee as all bills are this time of year.

Reaction

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council opposed this legislation saying action was premature given the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has just proposed a rule on this issue and when there are so many questions unanswered about what its requirements will be.

“PEC supports informed and prompt reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from all sources and sectors across the Commonwealth, and we believe decisions should be based on purposeful analysis and deliberation,” said Davitt Woodwell, Executive Vice President of PEC in a letter to the prime sponsor Rep. Pam Snyder. “We believe House Bill 2354 will unbalance that equation and impair Pennsylvania’s ability to advance a strong and sound emissions reduction strategy, potentially forcing EPA to impose its rules directly on Pennsylvania.”

Rep. Ron Miller (R-York) serves as Majority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) serves as Minority Chair.

NewsClips:

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Editorial: Court Ruling On EPA Climate Rule

6/30/2014