PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center advances regional climate initiative

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) could be the most important climate program you’ve likely never heard of.

On Sept. 1, thanks to PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center supporters like you, Pennsylvania passed the final regulatory hurdle needed to join RGGI, which will reap benefits for generations to come. The initiative requires power plants to reduce their carbon pollution and pay for the pollution they do emit. Leading up to the decision, PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center rallied nearly 13,000 Pennsylvanians and more than 280 elected officials, community groups, business owners and public health experts to submit favorable comments to the Department of Environmental Protection during a public comment period.

“RGGI is expected to reduce Pennsylvania’s carbon footprint by over 188 million tons in the first decade alone,” said Flora Cardoni, PennEnvironment Research & Policy Center’s field director. “It’s clear that when Pennsylvanians learn about RGGI, they are all in.” 

While polluters are sure to challenge RGGI in the courts and legislature before its final implementation, we’re committed to getting RGGI across the finish line. 

Read more about the victory. 
Learn more about our Regional Climate Action campaign.