Statement: RGGI to pass final regulatory step in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania is expected to publish its finalized regulation for joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Saturday, paving the way for the state to start levying a price on carbon as early as July 1. RGGI is a bipartisan multi-state program established in 2008 that addresses carbon pollution by setting a cap on emissions from power plants. That cap is lowered each year. RGGI is an incredibly effective state-level program for reducing global warming pollution. Currently, all of the other 11 Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) participate in this program. 

The publication of this rule marks the final step in a multi-year process of rulemaking, regulatory review and public input, including a public comment period at the end of 2020 that showed Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly support joining this program.  

PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center’s Executive Director David Masur issued the following statement in response:

“We’ve reached the final sprint to the finish line after a two-year-long marathon regulatory process to get Pennsylvania to join this important climate program. 

“An incredible amount of research, public input and dialogue made the strong case that Pennsylvania should participate in RGGI, and Pennsylvanians should be proud to play an essential role in the fight against climate change. 

“Climate experts, health professionals and Pennsylvanians have been saying for years that we need to be taking proactive steps to reduce global warming pollution. Over the past two years, it’s become clear that RGGI is one of those critical steps. 

“We’re proud that Pennsylvania is one step closer to joining this bipartisan, proven program for reducing climate pollution. We’re excited to work with our state agencies to ensure that RGGI is implemented effectively and that the funding from RGGI is allocated to further boost clean energy development.”

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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. For more information, visit www.PennEnvironmentcenter.org.