STATEMENT: Gov. Shapiro puts forth proposals to expand PA renewable energy production, cap climate pollution

For Immediate Release: Wednesday March 13, 2024

Initiatives would require 35% of PA energy to come from renewable sources, reduce climate pollution in Pennsylvania

PHILADELPHIA – As part of Energy Week, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled his proposal today to renew the state’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) and expand the law’s requirements for clean energy production to 35% by 2035. 

At the same time, Gov. Shapiro announced his proposal for a statewide cap-and-invest program to dramatically reduce climate pollution emissions in Pennsylvania, while the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) continues to await legal action in the state supreme court. 

In response, David Masur, PennEnvironment Executive Director released the following statement: 

“Climate change is the existential crisis of our lifetime, and Gov. Shapiro’s announcement today is a one-two punch that will both dramatically reduce Pennsylvania’s carbon footprint and promote much-needed clean energy solutions like solar and wind. This is a critical step in the right direction. 

“For far too long, Pennsylvania has been a large part of the climate problem, currently ranking fourth worst in the nation for our global warming pollution. Getting today’s proposals by Gov. Shapiro over the finish line in the state legislature would pivot Pennsylvania from being a climate chump, into being a climate champ.

“We applaud Gov. Shapiro for fighting to tackle climate pollution through his defense of the RGGI program in the state courts and through his effort to put forth similar legislative solutions today. By having multiple irons in the fire, he’s sending a clear message to the Pennsylvania legislature that we must act to address climate change, and act quickly.

“The governor and environmental champions in the Pennsylvania General Assembly have put forth a number of commonsense proposals to address the climate crisis. The time for the legislature to act is now.”

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PennEnvironment is a statewide citizen-based non-profit environmental advocacy organization working to promote clean air, clean water, and protect our open spaces. To learn more about our work on this or other issues, please visit www.PennEnvironment.org.