Lycoming News

State Senator Gene Yaw has announced the introduction of legislation aimed at repealing the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax. The tax was enacted through an executive order by the Wolf Administration in 2019. Yaw argues that the tax would lead to increased electricity rates, job cuts, and the closure of power plants in Pennsylvania.

In a memo circulated to Senate members, Yaw expressed his concerns about the negative impacts of RGGI on the state. He stated, "RGGI is wrong for Pennsylvania, and it is time to repeal this regulation and focus on putting forth commonsense, environmentally responsible energy policy that recognizes and champions Pennsylvania as an energy producer."

Last year, Pennsylvania's Commonwealth Court ruled that the state's entrance into RGGI could only be achieved through legislation enacted by the General Assembly, not through rulemaking by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Quality Board (EQB). Governor Shapiro has appealed this ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, and the appeal is still pending.

Yaw's legislation comes after a series of hearings with members of the Ohio General Assembly to discuss the reliability of the mid-Atlantic power grid managed by PJM. PJM projects that 20% of its existing capacity will retire by 2030, leaving them without enough power to meet consumer demand. Yaw believes that the closure of power plants, such as the recently announced Brandon Shores power plant in Maryland, combined with the threat of RGGI, will further compromise the grid's integrity.

Yaw emphasized the potential negative consequences of RGGI, stating, "Not only would RGGI leave thousands struggling to pay their utility bills during a time of record inflation, but it would also have a detrimental impact on the reliability of our region's already strained electric grid."

The proposed legislation aims to ensure energy reliability, sustainability, and affordability for Pennsylvania families and businesses.

For more information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw's website or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Contact:

Elizabeth Weitzel

Phone: 717-787-3280