PA Environment Digest

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Sen. Comitta, Sen. Santarsiero, Rep. Otten, Rep. Abney To Introduce Gov. Shapiro’s Energy, Climate Initiatives

On March 20, Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks), Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester) and Rep. Aerion Abney (D-Allegheny) announced they are circulating co-sponsor memos to introduce Gov. Shapiro’s energy and climate initiatives in the Senate and House.

The PA Climate Emission Reduction Program (PACER) will be introduced by Sen. Comitta (sponsor memo) and Rep. Abney (sponsor memo).

The PA Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) proposal will be introduced by Rep. Otten (sponsor memo) and Sen. Santarsiero (sponsor memo).

“We must act now to reduce our carbon emissions for this generation and the next one,” said Sen. Comitta, Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “And with PACER, we can do it while supporting job growth, transitioning to clean energy, and saving consumers money on their electricity bills. We all have a role to play in addressing climate change and this legislation benefits every family in every community across the commonwealth.”

“PACER is a bold vision that allows Pennsylvania to reimagine a climate future that benefits all residents and protects our environment. This legislation would provide a much-needed bridge to a more renewable future, foster economic growth, and move us closer toward environmental justice,” said Rep. Abney.

“I have long said that it’s a false premise to say we must choose between creating jobs or saving our planet,” said Sen. Steve Santarsiero. “I am proud to see Governor Shapiro leading the way and bringing together the interests of consumers, labor and the environment to find a solution that works for all of us.”

“Sustainable standards are a conversation that’s been underway since my first year in the legislature, and I’m extremely glad that a serious discussion has come to the forefront,” said Rep. Otten. “The collective attention on this issue is promising. As a lead sponsor on the governor’s proposed plan in the House, I feel well positioned to assure that we develop the strongest possible standards and ultimately advance an energy plan that delivers net improvements in emissions, reliability and resilience.

“We are still finalizing the bill language, and I look forward to working with a trusted group of climate leaders to ensure the best possible outcomes for our climate and our Commonwealth,” added Rep. Otten.

Click Here for the complete announcement.

(Photos: Sen. Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), Sen. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks), Rep. Danielle Friel Otten (D-Chester) and Rep. Aerion Abney (D-Allegheny).)

Resource Links:

-- Comitta, Abney To Introduce PA Climate Emission Reduction Act

-- Santarsiero Announces Legislation To Jumpstart New Era Of Reliable, Sustainable Energy In PA

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