PennFuture statement on Pennsylvania Senate's vote on PA EDGE tax credits

"Today, the Pennsylvania Senate voted on $2 billion in new tax breaks for the fossil fuel industry. State lawmakers clearly have not learned from example after example of broken promises. More subsidies for the fracking and petrochemical industries will continue to deliver disappointing economic results along with huge environmental risks. Let’s not repeat our mistakes," said Patrick McDonnell, PennFuture President and CEO.

"The so-called Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credits would spend billions in tax cuts on projects offering a relatively small number of permanent job opportunities. Meanwhile, these giveaways are a polluter’s dream come true,” McDonnell said. “The package does nothing to invest in proven and inexpensive clean energy technologies, nor is it a comprehensive economic strategy for the state. Rather, this is slapdash industrial policy at its worst that will perpetuate Pennsylvania’s addiction to fossil fuels."

McDonnell concludes, "These subsidies will mean a further buildout of pipelines and other infrastructure at a time when the state legislature has failed to address the very real safety and siting concerns raised by affected residents around the state. While hydrogen technology may have a role in addressing climate pollution, its production need not come at the expense of Pennsylvania’s environment, climate, or the health of surrounding communities."   

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PennFuture is Pennsylvania’s leading environmental advocacy organization with offices in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Erie and East Stroudsburg. We are protecting our air, water and land, and empowering citizens to build sustainable communities for future generations.

Contact:
Ben Block
Interim Director, Communications
bblock@cleangrowthstrategies.com
443.604.8418