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.

insideclimatenews.org

Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

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

Federal disaster programs could run out of money as hurricane approaches Florida

Kelly Armstrong’s deep ties to oil raise ethics concerns in North Dakota governor’s race

Hurricane Milton will test federal disaster response during election season

Trump’s potential return sparks fear among federal employees

Republican incumbents in tight races struggle with climate issues

Trump spreads misinformation about disaster response to gain a political edge

Countries must act quickly to build on Paris Agreement commitments

LISTEN: Mokshda Kaul on making the clean energy transition work for all

“Coalitions become this interesting way to create buy-in.”

Op-ed: Is plastic the biggest climate threat?

A plastics treaty for the climate and health must address overproduction of plastics and head off the petrochemical and plastic industry’s planned expansion.

Residents say Pennsylvania has failed communities after state studies linked fracking to child cancer

Last year Pennsylvania Department of Health studies showed increased risk of childhood cancer, asthma and low birth weights for people living near fracking. Advocates say not enough has been done since.

The fossil fuel industry is disproportionately harming low-income and minority women: Report

“Women, in all of their diversity, must be at the center of climate and energy decision-making.”

Op-ed: People need shelter from climate change — their health hangs in the balance

The discourse on climate resilience must include affordable housing policy solutions.

As Biden prepares to block the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, pollution concerns persist in Pennsylvania

“Pennsylvania steel communities have lived with dangerous air quality for generations. That needs to end.”