STATEMENT: After Latest RGGI Auction Brings in Significant Proceeds, Clean Power PA Coalition Calls on RGGI Opponents to Abandon Efforts to Stop RGGI Program That Will Cut Pollution and Create Jobs
PA’s participation in RGGI has overwhelming support from Pennsylvanians and will invest in efforts to reduce consumer energy costs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HARRISBURG – (March 15, 2022) – Last week, eleven states that participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), stretching from Maine to Virginia, held another successful quarterly auction for power plant companies to purchase “credits” for each ton of carbon dioxide they emit. This auction generated nearly $300 million, which the states can invest in energy efficiency like weatherization of homes, renewable energy, and local communities and businesses.
The Clean Power PA Coalition today issued a statement on that auction:
“RGGI has been a tremendous benefit to the 11 states where it is now in place. The latest evidence is another successful RGGI auction conducted last week, which generated significant funds for the RGGI states to invest in economic recovery, clean energy jobs, and efforts to lower consumer energy costs through energy efficiency.
“Pennsylvania would have reaped more than $200 million from today’s auction, but opponents in the legislature and the fossil fuel industry have carried out a relentless campaign to stall the state’s participation in RGGI. It’s time that stops.
“Pennsylvanians want action to tackle climate change, create jobs, reduce consumer energy costs, and help communities and workers affected by the continuing transition in our energy markets. RGGI can accomplish that. It is time for Pennsylvania to start benefiting in the same way the other RGGI states have done.”
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