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HARRISBURG, Pa. — In response to reports that Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) could be traded away in budget negotiations, Moms Clean Air Force Pennsylvania Field Organizer Vanessa Lynch released the following statement:
“With positive impacts to health, climate change, job creation, and reliable, affordable, clean energy, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the single most effective tool for cleaning up the air Pennsylvania families breathe while also tackling global warming that will impact the world our children grow up in and the future they will inherit. Governor Shapiro must not trade away this proven public health protector, especially not when Pennsylvania’s power sector is among the most polluting in the country.”
“A 2020 children’s health study showed that by lowering harmful soot from power plants, RGGI has helped to avoid asthma attacks, preterm births, and low birth weight across the Northeast. Researchers conservatively estimated avoided health costs of up to $350 million. RGGI could also generate $1.5 billion in statewide energy bill savings in the next five years alone — delivering lower bills and real savings for Pennsylvania families struggling with rising energy costs.”
“There is no other opportunity in Pennsylvania that would achieve the environmental and financial benefits possible with RGGI, and to bargain away this powerful clean air program over the budget impasse would jeopardize the long term health of Pennsylvania families. This is a pivotal moment for Governor Shapiro to solidify his commitment to climate action through a cap and invest program focused on cleaning up the air our children breathe.”