Gov. Wolf takes important step to help reduce carbon emissions in Pennsylvania

Media Contacts

PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center

[Pittsburgh, PA] – On Tuesday, January 8th, Governor Wolf signed an executive order that establishes Pennsylvania’s first statewide carbon reduction goal. The order sets a greenhouse gas reduction target of 26% by 2025 that increases to 80% by 2050. In addition, there will be energy consumption reduction goals of 3% per year and electrifying 25% of the state’s car fleet by 2025.

The executive order also establishes a GreenGov council to oversee the progress and help implement sustainable practices in all aspects of our state’s government.

David Masur, Executive Director of the PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center stated: “2018’s extreme weather, wildfires out west, and severe flooding here in Pennsylvania showed us that the effects of climate change have moved from a distant threat to a present danger.

Two reports that came out in the last few months, the Fourth National Climate Assessment and the IPCC report, reinforced the need to take action now if we are going to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

PennEnvironment commends Governor Wolf for taking the first step towards making Pennsylvania a leader in clean energy and the fight against climate change. Other states should follow Gov. Wolf’s examples to increase clean energy and reduce climate pollution.”

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PennEnvironment  Research & Policy Center is dedicated to protecting our air, water and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help the public make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives. www.PennEnvironmentCenter.org.