Our Clean Energy Future Requires Leadership from All

What will it take for Pennsylvania to break its reliance on dirty, unhealthy fuels like coal and gas and move boldly into a clean energy future? Our fossil‑fuel economy is as fragile as the bedrock we frack, and other states are proving that embracing wind, solar and efficiency can create jobs and drive innovation.

States like New Jersey and New York are investing billions in clean energy funds and manufacturing incentives, while Pennsylvania continues to subsidise fossil fuels—most notably the $1.6 billion tax break for Shell’s ethane cracker plant. To avoid falling further behind, we need leadership at the highest levels: a governor who champions clean‑energy incentives and workforce development, local champions willing to run for office, and accountability for legislators who deny climate science. Community activists must resist pipeline and plastic projects and develop their own clean‑energy economic visions.

Statewide environmental organisations must support on‑the‑ground activists with legal and policy assistance, defend existing efficiency programs like Act 129, strengthen the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards and reject subsidies for fossil fuels. Each of us can also contribute by using efficient light bulbs and appliances, choosing clean electricity suppliers, driving hybrid or electric vehicles, contacting elected officials and supporting environmental organisations. Clean‑energy and climate champions will ultimately prevail—evidenced by multinationals like BP, Shell and Ford shifting their investments toward clean energy.