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Hi —
I have infuriating news. The state Senate passed a bill yesterday evening that would take away Pennsylvania's power to join the carbon reduction program called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which improves air quality and invests millions of dollars back into our public health. This bill could actually prevent the Department of Environmental Protection from working to reduce carbon pollution.
We deserve better than this. The passage of SB 119 would halt the pollution controls and economic benefits of RGGI that Pennsylvania communities and workers so desperately need. The decision is beyond reckless, especially since Pennsylvania consistently ranks in the top 5 states when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions and has the most premature deaths per capita caused by air pollution of any state.
The bill passed 35-15. There’s no question that lawmakers who sided with polluters by voting for this bill need to be held accountable — but the lawmakers who stood up against pressure from Big Polluters should be thanked for voting against it too, especially so that they hold firm if lawmakers attempt a veto override. Will you take a minute to see how your lawmaker voted and thank them if they voted against SB 119, or hold them accountable for blocking action to address climate change, clean our air, and raise revenue?
If we’re ever going to clean up our air and stave off climate change, Pennsylvania has got to change course and start implementing smart carbon reduction programs like RGGI. This cap-and-invest program will encourage companies to reduce their carbon emissions by putting a price on pollution. Those fees are expected to add $1.9 billion to the state’s economy by 2030, which would be invested back into PA communities and workers and generate a net increase of more than 27,000 jobs — many of which are sustainable, clean energy jobs. By putting a price tag on pollution, RGGI incentivizes energy producers to turn away from fossil fuels, cuts carbon, and proceeds will create investments in much needed energy efficiency programs to help reduce energy costs overall.
Having to pay to pollute isn’t popular with Big Polluters, and a misguided vote on SB 119 shows just how hard their lobbyists in Harrisburg are working to make sure that doesn’t happen. We’re holding accountable the lawmakers who put profits over the health of Pennsylvanians, and thanking the ones who were on the right side of history.
Click here to find out how your state senator voted on SB 119, and send them a message to thank or hold them accountable for their vote.
Thanks for all that you do.
Katie Blume
Political Director
Conservation Voters of PA
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