Pennsylvania Joins 11 Other States in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
PA joins the other Basin states (NY,NJ,DE) and eight others in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI/”Reggie”). “Reggie” is a multi-state cap and investment program designed to reduce carbon emissions generated by fossil-fuel fired power plants. Under this program, power plants pay "allowances" for the amount of emissions they create, and the revenue generated from those allowances gets reinvested in local communities impacted by power generation.
Benefits to PA
Could reduce its emissions by 26% by 2025 and 80% by 2050.
PA could save more than 180 million tons of carbon pollution.
Expansion of the Weatherization Assistance Program to provide insulation, appliance upgrades, and other energy efficiency measures to reduce energy bills for low-income families
RGGI could generate as much at $3 billion in proceeds for PA by 2030.
RGGI will create 27,000 jobs by 2030.
Reduce energy costs for residents.
Better air quality improves the health of residents, especially reducing rates of respiratory illness.
In response, Kelly Knutson, Director of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed issued the following statement.
“On behalf of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, we extend our gratitude to Governor Wolf for fulfilling a promise made in 2019 to join the other Basin states in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative at a time when united climate action is sorely needed. The unchecked climate crisis continues to inundate the entire Delaware River Watershed with intense storms of increasing frequency, which leads to more extreme flooding events and damage to aging and failing infrastructure. By reducing Pennsylvania's emissions, RGGI will help reduce the impacts of climate change experienced within the Basin.”
Statement from Ezra Thrush, Senior Director of Government Affairs at PennFuture.
“By participating in RGGI, Pennsylvania becomes part of a united regional front battling the existential crisis of climate change. We are celebrating the fact that, starting now, the fourth largest greenhouse gas emitter in the nation is under the guidance of a climate policy that prioritizes environmental justice communities and energy communities. This is an historic moment. This is generational change.”
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About Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed:
The Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed protects and restores the land and waters in the Delaware River Basin. We amplify the collective power of 175+ member organizations and other stakeholders as we advocate for a healthy and protected watershed with an inclusive, unified voice. The Coalition convenes member and non-member organizations, builds capacity, coordinates communications, and advances policy at the federal and state levels. Click here to learn more.
Media contact:
Meagan Schaefer
609-330-4883
Meagan.Schaefer@njaudubon.org