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PennEnvironment: Pennsylvania Ranks 48th In US For Renewable Energy Growth

On October 24, the PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center released new data showing Pennsylvania ranks 48th in the nation for rate of growth in total solar, wind and geothermal generation over the past decade.

Using an interactive online dashboard-- Renewables on the Rise 2024-- documents the growth of six key clean energy technologies across the United States over the past decade and ranks states accordingly for solar power, wind power, battery storage, energy efficiency, electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations.

Pennsylvania’s rate of total clean energy adoption has fallen well behind the national pace, and ranked 48th among the 50 states and Washington, D.C., with only Idaho, Washington and Alaska ranking lower.

Sadly, the renewable energy growth over the last decade in the Commonwealth is only enough to power less than 2% of Pennsylvania’s homes.

At the same time, renewable energy produces only the equivalent of 3% of retail sales of electricity in the state, a percentage which has remained stagnant since 2014.

“Pennsylvanians, like all Americans, want and need a cleaner, healthier future, powered by abundant renewable resources,” says Belle Sherwood, Climate and Clean Energy Associate with PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center. “The remarkable gains we’ve seen from coast to coast -- and right here in Pennsylvania in EV charging ports and EV sales-- should give Pennsylvanians the confidence we need to build on nationwide momentum and catch up with our neighbors.”

Despite lagging behind in total renewable generation, Renewables on the Rise shows some positive signs for the Keystone State.

Pennsylvania has seen a more than 4,000% increase in electric vehicle registrations since 2013, ranking the Commonwealth 14th in total EV registrations.

Similarly, the number of EV charging ports has increased 11-fold, ranking Pennsylvania 11th in the nation for this category.

“These continued investments in strengthening EV infrastructure in Pennsylvania … ensure that the future of Pennsylvania transportation is on track to be cleaner, safer, more affordable, and more reliable than ever before,” says Natasha Fackler, PenDOT Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator.

When it comes to solar power, Pennsylvania generates triple the amount of energy from the sun compared to just 5 years ago, putting it in the middle of the pack (26th) behind neighboring states like New York (8th), New Jersey (12th), Maryland (18th) and even Ohio (22nd).

“Solar energy is a powerful tool for building a sustainable future,” says Alyssa Wingenfield, VP of Sales & Marketing at McClure Company. “Let’s work together to harness its full potential for the benefit of our communities and the state of Pennsylvania.”

PA Senate/House Action Needed

To move the state from laggard to leader, PennEnvironment is calling on the General Assembly to pass Gov. Shapiro’s Energy Plan, House Bill 2277 and Senate Bill 1190, which would require utility companies supplying electricity in Pennsylvania to get 35% of their power from renewable energy sources like wind and power by 2035.

Action is also needed on House Bill 2275 and Senate Bill 1191 which would require Pennsylvania’s largest global warming polluters to pay for their harmful emissions, and then invest those funds in clean energy projects and energy rebates for Pennsylvania consumers.

Implementing these policies at the state level will complement the benefits available to Pennsylvanians in the 2022 federal Inflation Reduction Act, such as tax credits for renewable energy and for the purchase of new and used electric vehicles through 2032.

“This report offers a timely reminder that we have an immense, largely untapped opportunity when it comes to clean energy here in Pennsylvania and we should take full advantage of federal tax credits to help realize our clean energy potential,” Sherwood said. “Pennsylvanians are already reaping the benefits of the progress we’ve made so far, but there is so much more we can do to usher in the clean, renewable energy future we need, starting with passing Governor Sharipo’s Clean Energy Plan.”

Visit the Renewables on the Rise 2024 webpage for more information.

Click Here for video from the event.

[Note: The Senate and House each have two voting days left in this session then all bills die and have to start over after November 30.]

Resource Link:

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

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