PA Climate Caucus

10/07/2022

Pa. missing out on millions as RGGI battle trudges on - Pennsylvania Capital-Star

“It’s disappointing that attempts to delay RGGI are resulting in Pennsylvania missing out on significant economic benefits, not to mention crucial time to cut our carbon emissions. Unfortunately, delays to RGGI are also significantly limiting our response to the growing impacts of climate change... I remain optimistic that RGGI will clear these obstacles... We need to pass the RGGI Investments Act so Pennsylvania is prepared to make effective investments in the clean energy economy, environmental justice communities, and support for workers and communities impacted by the transition from fossil fuels.”

- Senator Carolyn Comitta

Pennsylvania is missing out on millions of dollars in revenue from carbon-allowance auctions that are part of a multi-state initiative to combat climate change as legal challenges to the commonwealth’s involvement in the initiative continue.

10/07/2022

The Climate Economy Is About to Explode

A new report from the investment bank Credit Suisse argues that The Inflation Reduction Act will have an even bigger economic impact than previously expected from the Congressional Budget Office. The bank claims that the benefits from the tax credits will spur investment from private companies into green-energy industries leading to a boom in the climate economy.

“For big corporations, the IRA “definitively changes the narrative from risk mitigation to opportunity capture.” In other words, companies should no longer worry that they might be unprepared for future climate regulation, such as a carbon tax. They should be scared of missing out on the economic growth that the energy transition (and the IRA) will bring about.”

A new report suggests that the Inflation Reduction Act could be even bigger than Congress thinks.

10/05/2022

Join the PA House Democratic Policy Committee and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus for a joint hearing on hosted by Climate Caucus member Rep. Donna Bullock.

Watch live at 10 AM here: https://pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee/events?ID=126288

WEDNESDAY: Join Rep. Donna Bullock as she hosts a hearing with the committee and Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus on environmental justice. Watch live here on Facebook!

10/04/2022

Rep. Howard: Lawmakers must address climate change issue

"We have to address the immediate problems of those who have been harmed by tragic climate events and stand against the self-serving proliferation of climate denial."

- Rep. Kristine Howard

In July of 1977, a scientist named James Black working for Exxon (now ExxonMobil) delivered a message likely no one at the petrochemical company wanted to hear, “there is general scientific agreeme…

10/04/2022

This 100% solar community endured Hurricane Ian with no loss of power and minimal damage | CNN

While millions of Florida residents experienced power outages as a result of Hurricane Ian, one small community just north of Fort Meyers was able to keep the lights on due to their reliance on solar power. Babcock Ranch a 2,000-home neighborhood with over 700,000 solar panels, has become a haven for South Florida residents who have grown tired of power outages and unreliable power grids during times of crisis. Babcock Ranch was specifically built for climate resiliency, and residents have embraced resilient design as a necessity for survival as climate change increases the intensity and frequency of these devastating storms. Communities like this one can serve as model for the rest of the nation, as hurricanes like Fiona and Ian remind us that America’s energy infrastructure is not suited to deal with worsening extreme weather events.

Climate resiliency was built into the fabric of Babcock Ranch with stronger storms in mind, and Hurricane Ian was a major test.

09/30/2022

The GreenGov Council is hosting its first-ever . This free, week long event will give an inside view of the policies, programs and funding initiatives designed to help advance energy efficiency, climate resiliency and create a more sustainable future in PA.

For more information and how to register ⬇️

Join Pennsylvania’s leading sustainability experts, elected officials, state-agency leaders and policymakers for an exciting and informative series of conversations and presentations during the first-ever Pennsylvania Sustainability Summit -- hosted by the Pennsylvania GreenGov Council. ♻️🌎🌱

More information ➡️ https://bit.ly/3LhVMjK.
Register ➡️ https://bit.ly/3qBooe3.

09/27/2022

Biden administration launches environmental justice office

For decades, black, brown, and low-income communities have had to bear a disproportionate burden of pollution, the climate crisis, and its impacts. If we hope to tackle the climate crisis, we must recognize that much of the climate crisis is rooted in environmental racism. According to the Clean Air Task Force, Black Americans are 75% more likely than white Americans to live near a factory or plant and nearly four times as likely to die from exposure to pollutants. Climate action requires us to prioritize environmental justice in our legislative efforts.

The newly formed federal Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights will work to distribute $3 billion in block grants to underserved communities burdened by pollution. They will ensure funds are allocated to where they are needed most and give a voice to vulnerable communities.

WARRENTON, N.C. (AP) — President Joe Biden’s top environment official visited what is widely considered the birthplace of the environmental justice movement Saturday to unveil a national office that will distribute $3 billion in block grants to underserved communities burdened by pollution.

09/23/2022

may be coming to an end but the fight for is just beginning!

09/23/2022

With rising temperatures and an increase in climate-related disasters, we must act fast to cut carbon emissions and quicken the transition to clean, renewable energy. While the climate crisis has many adverse effects on our lives, it also provides us with a unique opportunity to invest in green and sustainable infrastructure, which means investing in our communities, our children, and our public health.

In order to tackle the climate crisis, we need big and bold solutions, including investments in innovation around clean energy technologies. Senator Amanda Cappelletti spoke on Tuesday about the impact of her legislation, Go100PA:

“We cannot leave an irreparable planet for future generations. When we invest in policies, such as Go100PA, we plan for the future, improve the physical and economic health of our communities, and address the public health crisis of climate change.”

By implementing stronger renewable energy goals, we can create good jobs, cut pollution, and ensure a sustainable and prosperous Pennsylvania for future generations.

09/23/2022

The climate crisis affects us all in different ways. And it’s in the communities that can least afford it where the climate crisis has the heaviest impact on everyday lives. On Tuesday, the PA Climate Caucus heard from a member of CASA in Action who shared a deeply personal account of how she is affected:

“I arrived in this country 19 years ago from Mexico and I have been working in agriculture. I’ve lived in the same house for about 6 years, and every time it rains heavily the drainage pit overflows and creates a well inside my house. My health is delicate, and dealing with all the humidity makes my breathing worse with the time.”

If we hope to mitigate and address the impacts of climate change, we need to be intentional about reducing air pollution, building climate resilience, and giving a voice to our most vulnerable communities.

09/22/2022

In 2020, a grand jury convened by state Attorney General Josh Shapiro issued a report on the unconventional oil and gas industry. The 43rd Grand Jury report uncovered systematic failure by government agencies in overseeing the fracking industry and fulfilling their responsibility to protect Pennsylvanians from the inherent risks of industry operations.

In response to the grand jury’s legislative recommendations, members of the PA Climate Caucus have introduced eight pieces of legislation, including Rep. Rick Krajewski’s HB 1467:

“One of the biggest issues facing Pennsylvania is that our polluters are not held accountable for their actions and the effects they have on public health. We have an underfunded and under-resourced DEP that has had to make significant staffing cuts, whilst the fracking industry the DEP is tasked to regulate has flourished with the aid of technology. This has become a growing problem that demands concrete actions and I believe HB 1467 is a step in that direction.”

09/21/2022

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Rep. Donna Bullock, chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus , spoke about the ways Black, brown, and low-income communities have had to bear a disproportionate burden of pollution, the climate crisis, and its impacts.

On Tuesday, she called for polluters to be held accountable and demanded environmental justice by giving these vulnerable communities a seat at the table.

You can watch her full remarks here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c95C-eeOow8

09/21/2022

Breaking Down the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is the most aggressive action on tackling the climate crisis in American history. Not only will it effectively curb the climate crisis, but it will produce millions of good paying jobs in the process.

Join Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania TODAY at 12:30 PM for a webinar detailing the energy and environment provisions in the IRA and how it will impact Pennsylvania and neighboring states as we fight the climate crisis.

For more information and to register, click here ⬇️

Join the New York LCV, New Jersey LCV, Conservation Voters of PA, and Maryland LCV for a webinar detailing the energy and environment provisions in the IRA and how it will impact New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland as we fight the climate crisis.

09/20/2022

09/20/2022

Live Web Stream - Senator Carolyn Comitta

❗️ Happening Now ❗️

Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, Rep. Rick Krajewski, Senator Carolyn Comitta and PA Climate Caucus members are joined by environmental advocates to talk about the urgent need for in PA.

Watch live here. ⬇️

457 Main Capitol Building Senate Box 203019 Harrisburg, PA 17120-3019 (717) 787-5709 Fax: 717-787-4384 Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

09/20/2022

is here! During Climate Week, we’re lifting up the dozens of bills and solutions proposed by PA Climate Caucus members that would help Pennsylvania:

✅ Advance environmental justice,
✅ Hold polluters accountable,
✅ Invest in innovation around clean energy technologies,
✅ And build resilient communities that can withstand the impacts of climate change.

Together, we can make Pennsylvania a leader in .

Join PA Climate Caucus members and environmental advocates today at 12:30 PM as they rally for the urgent need for in PA.

09/18/2022

September 18-24, 2022 is Climate Week in Pennsylvania, and Climate Caucus members are excited for the week to come. Take a look at these events and resources related to climate action in Pennsylvania and throughout the U.S. ➡️ https://buff.ly/3BJlLxd

07/14/2022

Meet Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, our State Lead! She's focused on environmental issues in the PA state legislature relating to:

🟢 Environmental justice
🟢 Public health
🟢 Green infrastructure
🟢 A future

https://ncelenviro.org/state-leads/

07/13/2022

State budget will give environmental efforts a funding boost, advocates, lawmakers say - Pennsylvania Capital-Star

This year’s budget made historic investments in protecting and preserving our environment, natural resources, and open spaces. Take a look at some of the significant investments this budget made in environmental clean-up and protection:

✅ Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection was allocated more than $183 million
✅ Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will receive $56 million for forest infrastructure projects and support the development of three new state parks
✅ $535,000 increase to the Susquehanna River Basin Commission
✅ $100 million to support the rehabilitation, repair, and development of parks and forest areas
✅ $5 million increase to the Conservation District Fund
✅ $220 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to establish a clean streams fund

The Climate Caucus is grateful for these meaningful investments in clean air, pure water, and the preservation of natural resources. We look forward to seeing how these funds will be used to improve and preserve our environment and open spaces.

State lawmakers and environmental advocates are celebrating the 2022-23 fiscal year budget Gov. Tom Wolf signed into law last week, saying it makes “historic” investments in environmental clean-up and protection efforts across the commonwealth.

07/01/2022

PA Climate Caucus protests SCOTUS restriction of EPA’s authority to regulate carbon emissions

Our world is under grave threat from climate change, beset by increasingly destructive hurricanes, fires, and coastal erosion causing mass migration and destabilizing the political order. Now more than ever, government agencies must be able to take action to protect and preserve our communities, our public health and our welfare.

HARRISBURG, July 1 – Members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Climate Caucus issued this statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling that limits the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate carbon emissions that cause climate change:“Yesterday,...

06/30/2022

Supreme Court restricts the EPA's authority to mandate carbon emissions reductions

This morning, the Supreme Court voted to restrict the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate carbon emissions that cause climate change. This decision undermines the ability of the government to take preemptive steps to address climate change and protect our right to clean air. By stripping the EPA of the power Congress gave them to address our most existential threat, the EPA is unable to address the very issues they are commissioned to respond to.

Government agencies must be able to step-in and protect our communities, our public health, and our welfare. The Climate Caucus remains committed to promoting legislation and policy that will allow us to uphold our constitutional responsibilities and protect Pennsylvanians’ right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the environment.

For more information about WV v. EPA, see: https://buff.ly/3bFDH0V

The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency does not have the authority to mandate carbon emissions from existing power plants.

05/12/2022

The massive, unregulated source of plastic pollution you’ve probably never heard of

As the world moves toward renewable energy, the oil and gas industry is increasingly shifting its focus to plastic production, with pipelines like Mariner East carrying fracking byproducts destined for factories where petrochemicals are turned into plastic pellets called "nurdles." It's a silly sounding name for a product that's becoming a huge environmental concern and a risk to fish, birds, turtles, and marine mammals.

"A nurdle in the wild is a sneaky thing. Even before it starts breaking down, it is difficult to spot from afar, unlike the plastic bags or bottles we often associate with plastic pollution. It does not give off a heat signature or emit fumes, or create a sheen on the surface of water the way an oil spill might. What it does do is attract toxic pollutants."

"We’re making these nurdles and basically spilling oil, just in a different form."

05/10/2022

U.S. wind and solar energy hit a key benchmark last month: Report

"In 2021, wind and solar were the fastest-growing sources of energy worldwide for the 17th year in a row.”

Wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources are the fastest growing sources of energy worldwide. Now is the time for Pennsylvania to invest in renewable energy technologies, step up as a climate and clean-energy leader, and create a safer, healthier future for the generations to come.

The United States electricity sector reached an important milestone in April, when wind and solar energy accounted for 20% of electricity generation for the first time in history, according to the London-based global energy think tank Ember.

04/29/2022

Happy Arbor Day, Pennsylvania! 🌳

Plant a tree or see for yourself why "woods" is in our name by visiting a state park or forest near you: dcnr.pa.gov.

04/25/2022

It is finally official! Pennsylvania is a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

After months of independent review and legal challenges, Pennsylvania has become the 12th state to join the carbon capping program. While joining RGGI will not singlehandedly solve the global climate crisis, Pennsylvania’s participation will allow us to take a step in the right direction in the fight for environmental justice. This is major step forward for our environment, economy, and communities across Pennsylvania.

The benefits of RGGI are clear and proven. Some of the benefits of RGGI for Pennsylvania include:
• Reducing up to 225 million tons of carbon pollution from Pennsylvania power plants by 2030
• Preventing up to 30,000 hospital visits for respiratory illnesses like asthma
• An increase in Pennsylvania’s Gross State Product of nearly $2 billion, and a net increase of 30,000 jobs by 2030

It's official.

I'm proud Pennsylvania is on the path to becoming a leader in the fight against climate change through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

04/22/2022

On Earth Day and every day, Climate Caucus members in both the House and Senate work hard to introduce legislation that would protect the waters of our Commonwealth; advance Environmental Justice in communities across our state; close methane, hazardous waste, and leachate loopholes; require fracking companies to publicly disclose the chemicals they use in the fracking process; facilitate the prosecution of environmental crimes; fund lead-abatement programs; create conservation corridors that protect both our green spaces and our wildlife; put Pennsylvania on a path to 100% clean energy and true climate leadership; and more.

These bills and proposals are overwhelmingly popular with Pennsylvanians, and many have gained broad co-sponsorship support, including bipartisan support. But current legislative rules in Harrisburg place all the power in the hands of just a few majority leaders and committee chairs. Only the majority committee chair can decide what bills receive a hearing or a vote in a committee, and only majority leadership can decide what bills come up for a full vote on the House or Senate floor. So month after month, session after session, these bills sit in committee without seeing the light of day.

Climate Caucus members are committed to addressing issues relating to climate change and its environmental, economic, and public health impacts in Pennsylvania. It’s time to so these solutions can move forward and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians—and so that bipartisan discussion, compromise, and decision-making on every important issue, in every committee, are encouraged rather than shut down. To learn more about the need to reform the rules in Harrisburg so that we can get to work building stronger, healthier, more sustainable communities for all Pennsylvanians, visit:
https://fairdistrictspa.com/the-problem/rules-reform

04/19/2022

Investing in the future is not radical environmentalism | Opinion - Pennsylvania Capital-Star

Don't miss Senate Climate Caucus Secretary Senator Amanda Cappelletti’s column in today's Penn Capital-Star. Yes, Pennsylvania should be an energy leader: a leader in clean energy.

"We can invest in green energy to better the health of Pennsylvanians, our economy, and the overall future our commonwealth. Yet we continue to be challenged and blocked by anti-environment government officials who fight tooth and nail to maintain the status quo. A status quo where we are not improving Pennsylvania but continuing to live with a climate crisis that is literally killing people and will only get worse.
...
It is not radical to propose programs that generate investments in people, jobs, infrastructure, and the future of the economy. It is not radical to invoke long-term thinking when crafting policy. I would argue that Pennsylvanian’s prefer their leaders think in the long term as they govern. In fact, I know all of this to be true because Pennsylvanians passed a constitutional amendment obligating the state to protect the environment."

Pennsylvanians deserve an honest dialogue about what interests are really driving the climate debate in our state.

04/08/2022

Hydrogen hubs are not good for Pennsylvania | Opinion

“Implementing hydrogen and carbon capture would entail more drilling, more fracking, more pipelines, and more pollution — but little in the way of job creation for Pennsylvanians… Business as usual for the fossil fuel industry will increase local environmental, health, and safety risks.”

Hydrogen hubs are not the solution to the climate crisis. They are simply an unproven and expensive method which ignores the actual problem by creating more of them. What Pennsylvania needs is real climate action, not a lazy front that only benefits the corporate profits for a few.

Hydrogen hubs will not provide permanent jobs or spur an economic boom. The only way for Pennsylvania to combat climate change and truly invest in our future is to transition to renewable resources. Investing in renewable energy is Pennsylvania’s future, trying to resurrect a dying and harmful industry is not.

We have better climate solutions to choose from — ones that are already proven to work.

04/05/2022

Thank you Senator Katie Muth for setting the facts straight on RGGI!

Don’t believe the hysteria from politicians who
want to continue to subsidize the oil and gas industry with taxpayer dollars. RGGI simply requires coal and gas power plants to pay for their carbon pollution, so they are being held accountable in a financial manner in order to limit carbon emissions. By joining RGGI, companies are going to pay based on how much they pollute, which they currently don’t do.

Over its first decade RGGI delivered $4 billion in net economic benefits, including job creation & bill savings as a result of energy efficient investments. Investment of RGGI proceeds into emergency efficiency programs will lower demand & drive costs down for everyone.

➡️You can learn more about RGGI here: https://www.rggi.org/

04/05/2022

Whenever matters of national security are discussed, it is usually followed by a discussion on energy and a reliance on foreign fossil fuels. We are hearing this discussion take place daily when we talk about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its effect on global energy prices. Energy independence is not only a matter of protecting our environment and fiscal responsibility, but also about protecting our national security.

Rep. Joe Webster discussed this last week on the House floor. Thank you for standing up for common sense environmental policy that will help make Pennsylvania energy independent.