Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
Pennsylvania is about to take a major step to limit carbon pollution produced by power plants through a market-based solution called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
RGGI has been a big success in the 10 states where it is in place, cutting climate pollution by a third and raising nearly $3 billion to invest in clean energy and other purposes. It is time for Pennsylvania to tap into this record of success, cut carbon pollution that causes climate change, and create thousands of new jobs, by participating in RGGI.
RGGI will cut pollution produced by power plants by 188 million tons (the same impact as taking 4 million cars off the road), create 27,000 jobs and boost the state’s economy by nearly $2 billion.
Climate
Expert analysis conducted for PA Department of Environmental Protection estimates that PA's carbon pollution will be cut 21%, or 180 million tons, from 2022 to 2030. That’s a reduction equal to taking more than 4 million cars off the road for that period.
Economy
An in-depth analysis for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) confirmed that Pennsylvania would see a similar benefit: RGGI will lead to a net increase of more than 27,000 jobs and add $1.9 billion to the state’s economy.
Health
Pennsylvania will also be healthier thanks to RGGI: reduced pollution will produce $6 billion in health benefits through 2030, more than 45,000 fewer asthma attacks and more than 1,000 fewer cases of childhood bronchitis among children.
Transition
A portion of the proceeds from RGGI in Pennsylvania could be used to help workers and communities who will be affected by the ongoing and inevitable transition of the energy market away from coal to natural gas and renewables.
Climate change is one of the greatest threats we face. It is occurring because of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil. We’re already starting to see the effects here in Pennsylvania, like stronger storms and more flooding.
Pennsylvania is starting a program to reduce carbon pollution from power plants that causes climate change. It is part of a successful bipartisan program called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, or RGGI.
This carbon pollution control program can reduce harmful climate-changing CO2 emissions, protect public health, and, together with a commitment to investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy, position Pennsylvania as a leader in the growing clean energy economy.
Pennsylvania could receive hundreds of millions of dollars in proceeds annually from this program. These funds would be invested in targeted efforts to eliminate air pollution, spur job creation, support working Pennsylvanians, and help boost the state’s long-term economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
A portion of the proceeds could be used to help workers and communities who will be affected by the ongoing and inevitable transition of the energy market away from coal to natural gas and renewables.
It’s time for Pennsylvania to tap into this record of success and reduce its carbon pollution by becoming part of RGGI.