PennFuture responds to state Senate's refusal to vote on PUC nomination

“There is no debate: Pennsylvania’s leaders must do everything in their power to fight the climate crisis and lower our carbon pollution immediately. While a suite of aggressive policies and investments are needed, Gov. Wolf is advancing an important effort by partnering with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI),” said PennFuture President and CEO Jacquelyn Bonomo. “It’s unfortunate that a contingent of state lawmakers oppose RGGI at all costs, but these anti-environmentalists have sunk to a new low by holding hostage Gov. Wolf’s nomination of Hayley Book to the Public Utility Commission—and all future nominees after her—because of it. These lawmakers are out of touch with the majority of Pennsylvanians who want immediate action on climate issues.

Furthermore, the Commission has wide-ranging responsibilities that ensure that many of the services Pennsylvanians rely on every day are safe, reliable, and affordable. It is unconscionable that any elected official would choose to jeopardize that mission. This is brinkmanship at its worst and these lawmakers should be held accountable."

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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