On March 14, Gov. Josh Shapiro joined industry, labor, environmental, consumer leaders, and Rep. Patty Kim at Cordia Energy in Harrisburg to highlight his newly unveiled energy plan to protect and create nearly 15,000 energy jobs, lower utility bills for Pennsylvania households, and take real action to address carbon pollution.  Read more here.

Speakers at the event included--

-- Mark Schneider - East Region President at Cordia Energy

-- Patrick Cicero - Pennsylvania Consumer Advocate

-- Robert Bair - President of the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades

-- Katie Blume - Political & Legislative Director of Conservation Voters of PA

Click Here for Video/Photos from the event.  Click Here for Plan summary.

Click Here for the Senate Republican reaction to Energy Plann.

Click Here for Gov. Shapiro’s reaction to the Republican reaction.

Praise For New Energy Plan

Labor, business, environmental, and government leaders praised the plan as a “bold” and “nation-leading” plan to create thousands of energy jobs, lower costs, and ensure Pennsylvania remains an energy leader below.

 PA State Building & Construction Trades

“I was with the Governor up in Scranton yesterday and I felt it important to be here with him again today. You heard me say yesterday – we cannot afford to do nothing. We’ve had five years of stagnation. We haven’t moved. We haven’t moved the needle on jobs.  We haven’t moved the needle on climate. And the Governor, to his credit, for the first time ever put together a working group – and we expanded on that,” said Robert Bair, President of the PA State Building and Construction Trades. “You have a Governor that for the first time is listening to all these options and he’s committed to making this work. Everybody that’s been involved in this is committed to making this work – and we may not all agree right now on how to get there, but we all agree we have to get there. It’s really easy to be part of a problem. It’s really hard to be part of the solution. The Governor acknowledged that we need the legislature to act – and as I told a couple of them yesterday: equate this to the Governor has set the Thanksgiving table,  now it’s time to sit down and eat.”

PA’s Consumer Advocate

“One of the key roles of my office is to fight for Pennsylvanians who are facing challenges paying their energy bills and all of their utility costs. This is no simple task. It requires a focus on the present and the future at the same time – it requires balancing present needs with future risks,” said Patrick Cicero, PA’s Consumer Advocate. “As you learn more about what the Governor’s energy initiative is, I think you’ll see that’s what this plan is – about balancing present needs with future risks to ensure that Pennsylvania remains robust in its energy exports while at the same time protects consumer interests. This plan is projected to save Pennsylvania ratepayers and Pennsylvania households more than $252 million dollars in the first five years alone, lower utility bills, and create a more reliable energy industry, create more jobs, and a cleaner air – that is a win in my book.”

Clean Energy Industry, Trade Associations

The Advanced Energy United, MAREC Action, Pennsylvania Solar Center, Pennsylvania Solar & Storage Industries Association, and the American Clean Power Association applauded the proposal, which will help maximize clean energy growth.

“Gov. Shapiro’s proposal should help jump start conversations in Harrisburg about how best to bring clean energy’s massive economic and jobs benefits to Pennsylvania,” said Nick Bibby, Pennsylvania State Lead for Advanced Energy United. “Advanced Energy United applauds Gov. Shapiro for issuing his proposal, and we look forward to working with his administration and legislators to ensure Pennsylvania enacts a policy that works for deploying clean energy in the Commonwealth.”

“MAREC Action, and our member companies building and operating grid-scale solar, wind and storage projects, applaud Governor Shapiro’s plan—it starts a real conversation about Pennsylvania's energy future,” said Evan Vaughan, Executive Director, MAREC Action. “A 35% clean and renewable energy by 2035 requirement will maximize deployment of new energy sources while maintaining a strong foundation of legacy energy industries—ensuring the Commonwealth can meet the challenge of rising electricity demand and that Pennsylvanians benefit from a balanced, resilient and clean energy mix for years to come.”

“The Pennsylvania Solar Center is encouraged by the Governor’s announcement to meet his campaign promise to increase investment in clean energy,” said Sharon Pillar, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Solar Center. “This policy will increase the adoption of solar, which will help businesses hire more workers, schools to keep teachers, and nonprofits to do more to serve their communities.”

"Our industry looks forward to increasing the market penetration of solar and other renewable energy resources in Pennsylvania, per Gov. Shapiro's announcement of these targeted goals, proposing 35% renewables by 2035.", said Ron Celentano, President, Pennsylvania Solar & Storage Industries Association (PASSIA), “as it will push Pennsylvania a little closer to our neighboring states”.

“Governor Shapiro’s proposal of 35% electricity from clean energy by 2035 ensures that Pennsylvania is once again helping lead the U.S. into the future of energy development,” said Moira Cyphers, Director of Eastern State Affairs for American Clean Power (ACP). “The clean energy industry is booming, creating incredible economic opportunities, reviving American manufacturing, and delivering jobs to local communities. The implementation of this policy would allow Pennsylvanians to enjoy these benefits for decades to come. We look forward to working with Governor Shapiro’s administration and the legislature for this plan to help maximize the Commonwealth’s clean energy future.”  

Multiple studies have found enormous potential economic and jobs benefits of advancing clean energy in Pennsylvania.

Last month, Advanced Energy United, MAREC Action, and ACP released a new report written by Gabel Associates which found that more than $13.1 billion could be invested in Pennsylvania over the next seven years, and 129,000 jobs could be created, if policymakers enacted a ‘35% renewable energy by 2030’ policy.

The Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS), which would be updated under the Governor’s PRESS plan, is a 2004 Pennsylvania law requiring electricity suppliers to include specific percentages of renewable energy in their supply, in turn creating increased demand for renewable energy.

The new plan would increase the requirements from 8%, where they’ve plateaued since 2021, to 35% by 2035. Many other states have enacted much stronger renewable energy standards, like New Jersey (50% by 2030), New York (70% by 2030), and Maryland (50% by 2030), and the governor’s new plan would help send a clear market signal to investors that Pennsylvania is open for business and serious about building out the clean energy economy.

PA Environmental Council

“The Pennsylvania Environmental Council commends Governor Shapiro for today’s announcement on his new PRESS proposal to expand our state’s outdated Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards,” said the Council.  “PEC has long advocated for enhanced requirements in a clean energy standard that would not only increase renewable deployment in our Commonwealth, but also include emerging and homegrown clean energy technologies like advanced nuclear and geothermal.

“Other states near and far are surpassing the Commonwealth in attracting clean energy generation, manufacturing, and investment, as well as achieving better grid diversification.

“They also have established requirements that will jeopardize our continued status as an energy exporter unless we proactively enact policies to help drive decarbonization of our electricity generation. The PRESS proposal is a strong start toward that end.”  Read more here.

Natural Resources Defense Council

Jackson Morris, Natural Resources Defense Council, said, “I'm really excited to talk a little bit about this package that's put forward. I think it is nation-leading, and it really can deliver a lot of promise for Pennsylvania.

“With Gov. Shapiro's leadership on a carbon capital invest program for the power sector, along the lines of PACER, coupled with a recharge and ramped-up clean energy standard along the lines of PRESS, we can make Pennsylvania a national leader on clean energy while creating a vibrant and equitable clean energy economy right here in the Commonwealth.

“As we've heard, the Governor, my friend Robert Bair [President of the PA State Building and Construction Trades], and many others today, inaction is simply no longer an option.

“We can and must forge a path forward together that tackles climate change, protects consumers, and creates family-sustaining jobs.

“With the tailwinds of the once-in-a-lifetime federal incentives for clean energy under the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, there has literally been no better moment to seize this opportunity.

“NRDC continues to believe the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI, would deliver that future for Pennsylvanians and fully support the state's continued defense of that regulation in court.

“But we're also open and eager to explore alternative approaches, such as what's envisioned in the PACER legislation.

“They could deliver comparable emissions reductions while generating vital funding to reinvest in communities across the state, and we look forward to working with the governor, the legislature, and the diverse stakeholders you've heard from today to pursue that possibility.

“We, labor, environmentalists and consumer interests, are all in this together because if we don't act now, Pennsylvania will be left behind.

“We need the legislature to act for Pennsylvania's energy jobs and to ensure our energy is clean and affordable.

“Done right, Pennsylvania could be the first and only major net exporter of increasingly clean electricity in the nation that also has a bold carbon cap-and-invest program on the books.

“Not only that, but our own analysis has shown that by adopting such a policy combined with a strong clean energy standard, Pennsylvania could drive net carbon reductions across the entire PJM regional grid.

“From Scranton to Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and up to Erie, Pennsylvanians value their state. We know we want clean air, safe drinking water, and natural wild lands, and we can have all those things and a strong clean energy economy where families can thrive.

“NRDC is committed to working to make that promise into a reality for the Commonwealth.

“Our kids are counting on us to make it happen. Let's get to work.”

The Nature Conservancy PA

“The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania is encouraged by Gov. Shapiro's announcement of two new energy policy proposals for Pennsylvania.

“Pennsylvania is a leading electricity producer, the largest power exporter in the U.S., and a leading source of the emissions that cause climate change. Our commonwealth must take aggressive steps to cap and reduce our emissions. PACER and PRESS provide options to achieve those aims. 

“The proposed revision to our now antiquated and uncompetitive portfolio standard through PRESS presents a promising pathway for reducing carbon emissions while providing Pennsylvanians the opportunity to have a prosperous, clean energy future.

“By including a more comprehensive range of clean energy technologies in PRESS — such as advanced nuclear — we can create more opportunities to balance the urgent need for rapid deployment of carbon-free energy with the need to protect and conserve Pennsylvania's resilient landscapes for nature and people.

“The Nature Conservancy has long supported our Commonwealth's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) as a proven and effective vehicle for capping and reducing emissions and making targeted investments in energy communities in Pennsylvania.

“Yesterday’s announcement of the PACER proposal presents another market-based option to cap and reduce Pennsylvania's significant power-sector emissions while investing in jobs and families.

“We encourage stakeholders and the Pennsylvania General Assembly to work together to implement policy to cap our power sector emissions. 

“We echo Gov. Shapiro, labor leaders, and climate advocates: Doing nothing is not an option.

Clean Air Council

Clean Air Council Executive Director Alex Bomstein said-- “We are enthused that Governor Shapiro is giving long overdue attention to our right to a healthy environment. PACER and PRESS demonstrate the Governor’s commitment to putting Pennsylvanians first.

“The Governor is taking a critically needed step to increase renewables in the Commonwealth’s energy mix through PRESS, growing the clean energy market, improving energy reliability, and reducing air pollution.

“We are optimistic that with robust community input, the final version of PRESS will boost only true renewable energy such as wind and solar.

“And while we still view RGGI as the best power sector cap-and-invest program for Pennsylvania, we are excited to work with the Governor and the legislature on PACER to realize the greatest possible benefits for Pennsylvania residents, ratepayers, and workers alike.”

PennEnvironment

David Masur, PennEnvironment Executive Director released the following statement on the Plan-- 

“Climate change is the existential crisis of our lifetime, and Gov. Shapiro’s announcement today is a one-two punch that will both dramatically reduce Pennsylvania’s carbon footprint and promote much-needed clean energy solutions like solar and wind. This is a critical step in the right direction.

“For far too long, Pennsylvania has been a large part of the climate problem, currently ranking fourth worst in the nation for our global warming pollution. Getting today’s proposals by Gov. Shapiro over the finish line in the state legislature would pivot Pennsylvania from being a climate chump, into being a climate champ.

“We applaud Gov. Shapiro for fighting to tackle climate pollution through his defense of the RGGI program in the state courts and through his effort to put forth similar legislative solutions today. By having multiple irons in the fire, he’s sending a clear message to the Pennsylvania legislature that we must act to address climate change, and act quickly.

“The governor and environmental champions in the Pennsylvania General Assembly have put forth a number of commonsense proposals to address the climate crisis. The time for the legislature to act is now.”

Conservation Voters Of PA

“We are thrilled to share in this exciting announcement which will fulfill both a campaign promise from Governor Shapiro and significantly move the ball forward on creating a clean energy economy in Pennsylvania,” said Katie Blume, Political & Legislative Director of Conservation Voters of PA. “With Governor Shapiro’s leadership on a bold and ramped up clean energy standard, along with his proposed carbon cap and invest program for the power sector, we can make Pennsylvania a national leader in creating a vibrant and equitable clean energy economy. This is the first step towards a bright future that can tackle climate change, protect consumers, prioritize equity, and create family-sustaining union jobs.”

For more information on Governor Shapiro’s commonsense plan to cut costs for consumers and help them pay their utility bills, create and protect energy jobs, and address climate change, visit Gov. Shapiro’s Energy Plan webpage.

Click Here for Video/Photos from the event.

Senate Republicans Reject Shapiro’s Offer To Work Together

On March 13, Republican leaders in the Senate uniformly rejected Gov. Shapiro’s offer to work on legislation to make the electric grid more reliable, diversify Pennsylvania’s energy generation, lower energy costs for ratepayers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Read more here.

Related Articles - Energy/Climate Plan:

-- Gov. Shapiro Unveils Cap-And-Invest PA Climate Emissions Reduction Initiative To Reduce Carbon Pollution From Power Plants; Update Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards To Diversify Electric Generation, Improve Reliability  [PaEN]

-- Gov. Shapiro Joins Industry, Labor, Environmental, Consumer Leaders To Highlight New Energy Plan To Create Jobs, Lower Costs For Pennsylvanians  [PaEN]

-- Gov. Shapiro: PA Labor & Industry Leaders Praise Energy/Climate Plan

-- Gov. Shapiro: PA Environmental Leaders Praise Energy/Climate Plan

-- Gov. Shapiro On Republican Reaction To His Energy Plan: They’ve Done Nothing And Power ‘Plants Have Closed On Their Watch;’ They’re ‘Used To Doing Nothing;’ ‘Doing Nothing Is Not Acceptable’ [PaEN]

-- Senate Republicans Reject Gov. Shapiro’s Offer To Work On Legislation To Make The Electric Grid More Reliable, Diversify Our Energy Sources, Lower Energy Costs For Ratepayers, Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions  [PaEN]

-- EPA: Pennsylvania One Of 45 States, MSAs To Submit Priority Climate Action Plans As Part Of $5 Billion Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program  [PaEN]

-- DEP: Conventional Oil & Gas Operators Will Not Be Eligible For New Methane Reduction Well Plugging Grants If They Are Not In Compliance With State Law, Regulations  [PaEN]

-- DEP Invites Comments On Proposed Changes To General Air Quality Permit Authorizing Coal Mine Methane Flares  [PaEN]

-- Pennsylvania’s Electric Grid Is Dependent On One Fuel To Generate 59% Of Our Electricity; Market Moving To Renewables + Storage  [PaEN]

-- US EIA Report Shows How Winter Storms Have Reduced US Natural Gas Production, But Disruptions Can Happen Any Time Of The Year  [PaEN]

NewsClips - Energy/Climate Plan:

-- AP: PA Gov. Shapiro Backs New Plan To Make Power Plants Pay For Greenhouse Gases

-- Post-Gazette - Anya Litvak: Gov. Shapiro Calls For PA Carbon Cap-And-Trade Market, Plus Higher Clean Energy Requirements

-- StateImpactPA - Rachel McDevitt: Gov. Shapiro Proposes State Climate Program To Replace RGGI, Asks For New Renewable Energy Goals

-- Inside Climate News - Jon Hurdle: PA Governor Wants To Cut Power Plant Emissions With His Own Cap-And-Invest Program

-- The Center Square - Anthony Hennen: Shapiro Tees Up Independent Carbon Tax Plan For Pennsylvania

-- Pittsburgh Business Times: Shapiro Unveils Alternative To RGGI That Would Keep Proceeds And Cap In State

-- PennLive: Shapiro Pitches Sweeping Two-Piece Energy, Climate Change Plan

-- PA Capital-Star: Shapiro Pitches Carbon Cap-And-Invest Plant To Capitalize On PA’s Energy Exports

-- The Center Square: Building Trades Say Governor’s Carbon Tax Plan ‘Sets The Thanksgiving Table, Now It’s Time To Sit Down And Eat’

-- The Center Square - Anthony Hennen: Governor’s Carbon Tax Plan Called A ‘Disastrous’ Gift To Ohio, West Virginia By Republicans, Others

-- WVIA: Frustrated With Water Polluted By Shale Gas Drilling, Dimock, Susquehanna County Residents Confront Governor At Clean Energy Announcement In Scranton

-- PennLive Guest Essay: There’s No Excuse For Inaction On Climate Change In Pennsylvania - By Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), Minority Chair Of Senate Environmental Committee

-- PA Interfaith Power & Light: National Faith + Climate Online Forum Set For April 16;  In-Person Watch Party

-- Penn State Earth Talks: March 18 In-Person/Webinar On City Heat Adaptation Tool For Cities To Improve Public Health, 4:00 p.m.

-- The Center Square - Anthony Hennen: Report: Billions In PA Taxpayer Subsidies Go To Polluting Shell Petrochemical Plant Without Regard To Environmental Compliance

-- Utility Dive: US Electricity Prices Outpace Inflation; Consumers Not Seeing Rate Decreases Due To Gas Price Drops; Increased LNG Gas Exports Could Send Prices Higher Again 

[Posted: March 15, 2024]

3/18/2024