Contacts:
Brooke Petry, [email protected], (267) 585-5994
Vanessa Lynch, [email protected], (757) 277-3729
(HARRISBURG, PA. – November 21, 2023) The recently announced appeal of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court’s decision on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a win for families. Cap and invest programs, like RGGI, were identified by the Governor’s RGGI Working Group as the best way to decrease greenhouse gas pollution and generate revenue, which can be used to equitably support the state’s energy transition.
“Moms across Pennsylvania are thankful for the appeal of the Commonwealth Court’s decision,” Brooke Petry, Pennsylvania Field Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force stated. “This action is a step closer to protecting children’s health and the climate from the power sector’s dirty air pollution. We should seize every opportunity to reduce carbon and the associated harmful air pollution from fossil-fuel fired power plants. Decreasing air pollution improves public health by reducing asthma attacks, heart disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, cancer and premature death. Environmental justice communities suffer disproportionately from pollution and climate change impacts making rules addressing climate change vital.
“An analysis by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) indicates participation in RGGI will result in a reduction of up to 639 premature deaths from respiratory illnesses and 30,000 fewer hospital visits for respiratory illnesses like asthma for children. This is further supported by a first of its kind study that shows that by lowering harmful soot from power plants, RGGI has helped to avoid asthma attacks, preterm births, low birth weight, and more. The health benefits were quantified between $191 million and $350 million.”
“Pennsylvania is the third largest greenhouse gas polluting state and is home to the third dirtiest power sector in the nation,” Vanessa Lynch, Pennsylvania Field Organizer for Moms Clean Air Force shared. “Linking to a program such as RGGI is critical to protecting children’s health.
“We are all pleased this decision will be appealed. RGGI will decrease air pollution coming from power plants and make it easier for Pennsylvania’s children to breathe clean air. As a mom, nothing could be more important–or worth fighting for.”