By Christina Simeone, Kleinman Center for Energy Policy

From carbon pricing, to improving distribution system cybersecurity and resilience —here are choices to guide Pennsylvania’s energy future. This policy paper published November 7 explores some of the options Pennsylvania has to shape that future.

No other state in the nation—besides Texas—produces more energy than Pennsylvania.

In 2016, the Commonwealth ranked second in the nation on natural gas production and nuclear power generation, ranked third on coal production and overall power generation, had a small (but growing) portfolio of renewable power assets, and was a net energy exporter (U.S. Energy Information Administration 2018).

Critically, maintaining leadership in the energy sector is not a passive endeavor, especially given the dynamic nature of technologies, economics, and societal and investor expectations.

The goal of this report is to identify a portfolio of carefully weighed energy policy priorities for Pennsylvania policymakers and stakeholders to consider pursuing, based on critical needs and complicated tradeoffs.

Click Here to read the complete paper.

Conclusion

States like California are pursuing 100 percent carbon free energy policies that honor international commitments and will drive low-carbon innovations in America.

While states like Texas are leading the nation in oil and gas development, providing energy resources both at home and abroad.

But, Pennsylvania energy policies and politics do not resemble those of California or Texas; the Commonwealth is unique. Energy policy progress in Pennsylvania will look and feel different compared to these states.

However, this should not dissuade the pursuit of improvement. Rather, advancement in Pennsylvania requires mutual compromises that focus on long-term growth (advanced energy future), core competencies (security and resilience), and responsible protections (communities and consumers).

[Editor’s Note: Bipartisan legislative initiatives to expand and update the Act 129 Energy Conservation Program, authorize community solar energy projects and develop the infrastructure for electric, hydrogen and natural gas vehicles will have to regroup with the election loss of their prime sponsors on November 6.  Bipartisan legislation was also introduced to promote microgrids.  These initiatives present just some of the real opportunities for leadership on energy issues in the state when the new General Assembly reconvenes in January and all bills have to be reintroduced and start over.]

Christina Simeone is the Director of Policy and External Affairs at the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. She can be contacted by sending email to: csimeone@upenn.edu or calling 215-573-4096.

NewsClips:

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Cusick: New Plan Calls For 10 Percent Solar Power In PA By 2030

Legere: Report: Big Shift To Solar Power Possible In PA, With Right Policies

PA DEP Solar Plan Aims For 10% Solar Generation By 2030

Moxie Freedom Natural Gas Power Plant Now Online In Luzerne

Another Natural Gas Power Plant Proposed In Bradford County

From Coal To Solar: Former Mine Land Could Become Panel Farm

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FERC Nominee Distances Himself From Trump Coal Bailout At Hearing

New Study Reveals Natural Solutions Can Reduce Global Warming

Lazard: Renewables Can Challenge Existing Coal Plants On Price

Report: Closing Nuclear Plants Risks Rise In Greenhouse Gas Emissions

DOE To Fund Coal FIRST Initiative, Critics Say It’s Political Not Practical

IEA: World Has No Capacity To Absorb New Fossil Fuel Plants

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[Posted: Nov. 12, 2018]

11/19/2018