Lycoming News

The Pennsylvania Senate has approved legislation to end the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax, which was unilaterally enacted through executive order by the Wolf Administration in 2019. Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) announced the decision.

“Since Gov. Tom Wolf forced Pennsylvania to join RGGI, I have said many times that no Governor, Republican or Democrat, can be allowed to create any new taxes without the support of the General Assembly,” Argall stated. “Today, we voted to prevent massive electric bill increases, protect family-sustaining jobs, and secure our energy independence.”

RGGI is a multi-state compact that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but has faced criticism for its economic impact. Critics argue it would increase electricity rates for consumers, result in significant job losses in the energy and manufacturing sectors, and lead to the closure of power plants across Pennsylvania, including coal-fired plants in Schuylkill, Carbon, and Luzerne counties. Additionally, there have been no new investments in baseload generation in Pennsylvania since the state's attempt to join RGGI five years ago.

Last year, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled that joining RGGI requires legislative approval from the General Assembly. This ruling has been appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court by Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Both Govs. Wolf and Shapiro have faced bipartisan opposition from the General Assembly regarding participation in RGGI. Senate Bill 1058, sponsored by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), seeks to terminate Pennsylvania's involvement in RGGI.

The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Contact: Jim Brugger

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