Citing the example set by seven other Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, freshman Rep. Mike O’Brien (D-Philadelphia) announced plans this week to introduce a resolution calling on Gov. Rendell to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

“Pennsylvania needs to join this very important group to address the very real problem of greenhouse gas,” Rep. O’Brien said. “We must work with our neighbors to address climate change while increasing current energy efficiency and building energy-efficient industries from both the consumer and producer angles.”

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, sometimes referred to as RGGI or "ReGGIe," is a cooperative effort by Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to discuss the design of a regional cap-and-trade program initially covering carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in the region. In the future, RGGI may be extended to include other sources of greenhouse gas emissions and greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide.

In December 2005, seven states announced they would sign a memorandum of understanding, which outlines the program in detail and includes the framework for a model rule. The states that agreed to sign the memorandum were Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Vermont. Pennsylvania sends a representative to observe the process but has not signed the memorandum yet.

“It’s not enough to consider how we can protect the environment here in Pennsylvania,” Rep. O’Brien explained. “What we do here has an impact in other states, just like what happens in other states has an impact here. By opening our doors to resources in other states, we have a better chance at reducing carbon dioxide emissions and protecting our natural resources for future generations.”

O’Brien is currently seeking co-sponsors for his resolution and will introduce it in the coming weeks.

1/12/2007