Lawmakers Vote To Stop State’s Entrance To Cap-and-trade Program
State lawmakers voted to stop a new rule that would let Pennsylvania join a regional program targeting greenhouse gas emissions.
Gov. Tom Wolf is likely to veto the measure, but that won’t mean the regulation could immediately take effect.
The cap-and-trade program with 11 other states charges power plants for each ton of carbon dioxide they emit, making dirtier sources of energy less competitive. The state can use the money raised to fund clean energy and energy efficiency programs.
The state House voted 130-70 to disapprove of the commonwealth joining RGGI. Three members did not vote because there were on leave.
“We’re talking nearly 1,500 jobs and about $873 million just in Indiana County alone,” said Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana). “Do you know what that means to local communities? Do you know what that means to school taxes, to property taxes?”
This story is produced in partnership with StateImpact Pennsylvania, a collaboration among The Allegheny Front, WPSU, WITF and WHYY to cover the commonwealth’s energy economy.
By Rachel McDevitt, The Allegheny Front