Pennsylvania’s governor proposes a state-specific plan for carbon emissions

Pennsylvania’s governor proposes a state-specific plan for carbon emissions

Pennsylvania's Governor Shapiro introduces a state-focused cap-and-invest strategy to reduce power plant emissions.

Jon Hurdle reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has unveiled a plan to implement a state-run cap-and-invest program, aiming to decrease carbon emissions from about 55 power plants and boost renewable energy use.
  • Shapiro's proposal, if accepted by lawmakers, would replace the state's involvement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, amidst ongoing legal challenges.
  • The plan includes setting carbon caps, requiring power plants to purchase credits for emissions above the cap, and aims to protect residents from increased electricity costs while supporting clean energy investments.

Key quote:

“We will set our own cap and we will set our own price for those carbon credits. We won’t have any other state determining what is right for us in Pennsylvania.”

— Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania

Why this matters:

At the heart of the cap-and-invest model is a "cap" on the total amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by all participating entities. This cap is gradually lowered over time, aligning with broader goals for reducing pollution and mitigating climate change.

In late 2023, Governor Shapiro directed agencies to draft new regulations that would improve the disclosure of the chemicals used during fracking.

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

HOUSTON — Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have previously violated the pollution limits in their permits have recently applied for new federal operating permits or renewals.

These facilities include the Chevron Pasadena Refining facility, the LyondellBasell Houston refinery, and the Chevron Phillips Chemical Sweeny Complex in Brazoria County, all of which are seeking renewed Title V permits.

Keep reading...Show less
silhouette of wind turbines during sunset.

17 states sue Trump administration over blocked wind energy development

Seventeen Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., are suing the Trump administration for halting wind energy projects on public lands and waters, citing harm to energy diversification efforts.

Rachel Frazin reports for The Hill.

Keep reading...Show less
Industrial buildings and smokestacks on the coast with mountains and sunset in the background.

EPA plans to dismantle key offices overseeing climate and air pollution regulation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will dissolve two main offices responsible for regulating greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, signaling a broad retreat from federal climate oversight.

Jean Chemnick reports for E&E News.

Keep reading...Show less
The dome of the U.S. senate building.

House Republicans push sweeping fossil fuel expansion in budget bill

Lawmakers are preparing to fast-track legislation that would expand mining and fossil fuel leasing while rolling back environmental reviews and clean energy incentives.

Garrett Downs reports for E&E News.

Keep reading...Show less
A graphic image of a brain with arms and legs walking out of a city pulling a suitcase.

Europe steps up funding to attract U.S. scientists facing cuts under Trump

As the Trump administration reduces research funding and tightens restrictions on universities, European leaders are offering financial incentives to lure American scientists.

Catherine Porter and Roger Cohen report for The New York Times.

Keep reading...Show less
white university building near trees with fall foliage during daytime.

Scientists worldwide pledge to support U.S. colleagues facing political attacks on climate research

More than 18,000 researchers gathered in Austria to discuss climate science and vow solidarity amid increasing political pressure and funding cuts in the U.S.

Bob Berwyn reports for Inside Climate News.

Keep reading...Show less
Australian suburban houses with solar panels on roofs

Analysis: Australia’s voters give Labor a mandate to speed up the renewable energy transition

Australia’s landslide election result signals public support for faster renewable energy growth and leaves the Labor government poised to make bigger climate policy moves.

Adam Morton writes for The Guardian.

Keep reading...Show less
From our Newsroom
Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

People  sitting in an outdoors table working on a big sign.

Op-ed: Why funding for the environmental justice movement must be anti-racist

We must prioritize minority-serving institutions, BIPOC-led organizations and researchers to lead environmental justice efforts.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.