Tell PA DEP: Think Bigger for Our Solar Future

From PennEnvironment (http://www.pennenvironment.org):

Here’s some good news to brighten your day: the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has announced a “Solar Future” plan to lay the groundwork for more clean, renewable solar energy in the Commonwealth.

We’re excited to see the DEP prioritizing clean, efficient solar power for Pennsylvania. There’s just one thing we think could make their ideas shine even more radiantly: a higher goal than 10% solar energy for the state by 2030.¹

The future of our climate depends on a switch to 100% renewable energy as soon as possible, and Pennsylvania has an opportunity to lead the charge. So why only target 10% from solar? Tell the DEP to think bigger for our solar future at https://pennenvironment.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=27975. 

The DEP’s draft plan holds plenty of promise. It proposes a wide array of smart, common-sense policy innovations that would shine a light on Pennsylvania as a solar energy leader in the making:¹

• Modernizing the grid for a transition from polluting power plants to solar arrays on rooftops throughout the Commonwealth.
• Removing barriers to creating community solar installations that can make clean energy more affordable and accessible, especially for low-income communities.
• Encouraging cities, towns, and boroughs to set up programs that can provide long-term, low-interest financing for businesses to install solar panels on their rooftops.

The DEP should set a solar energy goal to match this inspired solar policy vision. Submit your public comment to tell them you support a higher goal for solar.

With extreme downpours flooding communities here in Pennsylvania and wildfires raging in the west, it’s clear there’s no time to waste to address the threat of climate change. That means transitioning from climate-changing fossil fuels to 100% renewable energy like solar in the next several decades. We know that’s possible but it will take forward thinking and bold action–it will take more than 10% solar energy by 2030.

It’s great that DEP wants to let solar shine in Pennsylvania. Let’s tell them that when it comes to harnessing the power of the sun, we need to aim higher.

1 David Althoff and Rob Altenburg, “Pennsylvania’s Solar Future Plan,” Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, July 7, 2018.