PennFuture reacts to the Environmental Quality Board's vote on a carbon reduction program in Pa.

“The Environmental Quality Board’s vote to approve the final-form rule for a carbon reduction program in Pennsylvania is a significant milestone after years of climate inaction in Harrisburg,” said Rob Altenburg, PennFuture’s senior director for energy and climate. “The science is clear: to combat climate change we need to do everything we can to cut our carbon pollution—particularly from fossil fuel generation—and cooperating with other states participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is currently our best chance to do that in a real, measurable, and cost-effective way. 

Today’s vote will be applauded by a majority of Pennsylvanians who demand immediate action on climate change. Though some additional steps remain in this process, the rulemaking process is continuing to move forward and the program is on track to go into effect next year.

PennFuture thanks the Environmental Quality Board for supporting such a robust and thorough rule, which was vetted during a public comment period that included hours of testimony from 449 people as well as 14,038 written comments — the vast majority of which supported the rule proceeding. 

While this program is a significant step forward, more will need to be done to meet our climate goals. This program does not cover transportation emissions or industrial emissions, and it does little to address carbon pollution from generators burning waste coal.

Regardless, we will continue to do our part to ensure that a carbon reduction program comes to Pennsylvania, and we will oppose any attempts to derail or delay this final rule from being implemented. Our shared climate and environment is at a tipping point and cannot be subjected to political games and partisanship any longer.” 

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PennFuture is leading the transition to a clean energy economy in Pennsylvania, fighting big polluters with legal muscle, enforcing environmental laws, and supporting legislative policy that protects public health. PennFuture is engaging and educating citizens about the realities of climate change, and giving them the tools needed to influence lawmakers on the issues. Visit www.pennfuture.org for more information.

Contact:
Jared Stonesifer
Director of Media Relations
stonesifer@pennfuture.org
412.456.2372