HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed an executive order for Pennsylvania to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Thursday.
The idea is to reduce CO2 emissions from power plants.
It’s a regional cap and trade program. Power plants must purchase credits for every ton of carbon dioxide they emit.
Because the grid buys the cheapest power first, renewable power gets less expensive.
The governor hopes to work out specifies with the state legislature.
“This is something we shouldn’t be playing politics with,” said Wolf. “This is something that is a common challenge for everybody on this planet.”
Environmental groups are praising the move but a statement from House Republicans says it is another energy fee on Pennsylvanians.
Nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states belong to the initiative. A release says that RGGI states have “reduced power sector CO2 pollution by 45 percent since 2005.”
“This initiative represents a unique opportunity for Pennsylvania to become a leader in combatting climate change and grow our economy by partnering with neighboring states,” said Patrick McDonnell, secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. “As a major electricity producer, Pennsylvania has a significant opportunity to reduce emissions and demonstrate its commitment to addressing climate change through a program with a proven track record.”
Pennsylvania will be the largest power generating state to join.
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