On April 18, a coalition of 23 clean energy, environmental justice, and climate action organizations working in Pennsylvania sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency calling on the agency to accelerate efforts to cut pollution in the nation’s electricity sector and establish robust carbon pollution standards for new and existing power plants.

The letter calls for the EPA to take three key steps:

-- Set ambitious carbon pollution standards for new and existing power plants under sections 111(b) and 111(d) of the Clean Air Act.

-- Set other EPA pollution standards that reduce conventional air and water pollutants and improve public health.

-- Implement the Inflation Reduction Act effectively, efficiently, and equitably.

The electricity sector represents America’s second-largest source of carbon pollution and the Pennsylvania power sector is currently the third-highest polluting in the country, emitting nearly 80 million metric tons of CO2 [carbon dioxide] in 2021 alone.

Moreover, in 2020, Pennsylvania recorded the highest amount of premature deaths per capita caused by air pollution in the entire country.

Cutting climate pollution from the power sector would be a linchpin for cleaning up pollution across all economic sectors. Success in decarbonizing buildings and transportation by electrification is dependent on the electricity cars and homes run on being clean energy.

The EPA is currently falling behind schedule on seven of ten power sector rules, including carbon standards mentioned in the letter. Absent these actions, modeling shows the administration will fall short of President Biden’s climate targets.

As the largest near-term opportunity to reduce emissions, bold and swift action in the power sector is necessary to ensure healthier communities, lower energy costs, more good jobs, and a sustainable climate, for Pennsylvania and the whole nation.

"Pennsylvania families and communities need the EPA to move further and faster to reduce carbon pollution and deadly soot, smog, and mercury from our power plants. Pennsylvania is one of the largest electricity producers in the country, and two-thirds of our power is still generated by fossil fuels,” said Joseph Otis Minott, Executive Director and Chief Counsel of Clean Air Council. “President Biden entered office with a bold commitment to clean up the power sector, and now is the time to act."

"Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light is happy to join alongside our partners in delivering this letter to the Environmental Protection Agency. The sacredness of people and planet is a value held in common across many religious traditions. Pennsylvanians of faith want to see bold climate action from the Biden administration,” said Katie Ruth, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light. “Cutting pollution in the power sector and expanding clean energy efforts is an urgent and moral necessity. The commitments in the Inflation Reduction Act are a step in the right direction, but not enough. It is critical that its implementation is administered well and accessible to the communities who need it most. This is an opportunity to protect our communities, prioritize our health, and preserve a livable planet."

“Rural communities in Pennsylvania have been burdened with polluted air and water for decades,” shared Ethan Story, Advocacy Director with the Center for Coalfield Justice. “The Biden administration has a generational opportunity to reduce climate pollution from power plants, enhance public health, reduce energy costs for consumers, and help create a more just transition for underserved communities. We need this Administration to act now.”

“It’s time for the Biden administration to take action to cut pollution in the power sector and deliver on their clean energy agenda. This letter sends a clear message to the administration that bold action in the fight against the devastating effects of climate change is popular and supported in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” said Justin Balik, Evergreen Action state program director. “The Biden administration has an opportunity to reduce health and financial impacts on consumers, as well as support the creation of a just, thriving and inclusive clean energy economy.”  

The letter’s signatories represent the wide range of organizations working in the state, including national environmental organizations, environmental justice advocates, faith-based groups, the public health community, outdoor conservation organizations, clean energy campaigners, state and local groups, and more — coming together to combat the effects of climate change on the health and safety of Pennsylvania communities.

Click Here for a copy of the letter.

NewsClips - 23 Groups:

-- PA Capital-Star: Advocates Call On EPA To Cut Climate Pollution From PA’s Power Sector With Carbon Pollution Standards For New, Existing Power Plants

NewsClips This Week - Clean Energy:

-- PA Capital-Star: Community Solar Can Propel PA Toward An Equitable Clean Energy Future - By Vote Solar PA

-- York Dispatch: 2nd Solar Energy Project In Dover Township Receives Approval

-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Earth Day Event In Lancaster Aims To Give People Hope In The Face Of Climate Change

-- UpStream Newsletter From Stroud Water Research Center: Climate Impacts On Water Quality; Celebrating 10 Years In LEED Platinum Research Center

-- MCall - Evan Jones: Lehigh Valley Planning Commission Receives $1 Million Grant To Complete Regional Climate Plan

-- PPL Electric Releases 2022 Sustainability Report Highlights Commitment To A Sustainable Energy Future

-- TribLive: Electric Vehicles Sparking Interest In Western PA, Especially Among Younger Drivers

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Truck Decarbonizing Startup To Double Workforce After Raising $17.8 Million

-- The Center Square - Anthony Hennen: Private Investment Gets Head Start On Electronic Vehicle Buildout In PA

-- PA Turnpike Commission Releases 2022 Sustainability Report - EV Charging, Roadside Vegetation

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Form Energy Battery Plant Among $150 Billion In Accelerated Clean Energy Spending

-- PA Capital-Star: Advocates Call On EPA To Cut Climate Pollution From PA’s Power Sector With Carbon Pollution Standards For New, Existing Power Plants

-- Ohio River Valley Institute Report: Timing Is Right For Rebirth Of A Clean, Green Steel Industry In PA Based On

-- Inside Climate News - Jon Hurdle: ‘Green Steel’ Would Curb Carbon Emissions, Spur Economic Revival In SW PA, Study Says

-- PennLive: Application Submitted To Establish Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub In PA

-- TribLive Guest Essay: As Earth Day Approaches, Climate Solutions Have Never Been More Appealing - By Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Slippery Rock Chapter Citizens’ Climate Lobby

-- PA Capital-Star Guest Essay: This Earth Day, Let’s All Really Commit To Lowering The Global Temperature - Richard Whiteford

Related Articles This Week- Clean Energy:

-- House Environmental Committee Meets April 25 On Bipartisan Bills To Provide School Solar Energy Grants, Local Notice Of Toxics Violations  [PaEN]

-- Solar Energy Facility Decommissioning Bills On House Consumer Protection Committee Agenda For April 25  [PaEN]

-- Independent Regulatory Review Commission Approves Final Emergency Regs Setting VOC/Methane Emission Limits On Conventional Oil/Gas Operations  [PaEN]

-- 23 Pennsylvania, National Climate Groups Call On EPA To Cut Pollution In Power Sector  [PaEN]

-- Brandywine Conservancy Launches New Climate Resiliency Initiative To Help Local Municipalities, Landowners Address Climate Change  [PaEN]

[Posted: April 18, 2023]

4/24/2023