Take action on climate change now at https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-your-legislator-to-advocate-for-a-clean-environment.
Climate change is the most critical environmental threat confronting the world, with power generation being one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. As a state, we must take rapid and economically sound steps to reduce emissions.
We are down to the wire regarding the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which will lower Pennsylvania’s CO2 emissions by between 97 and 227 million tons by 2030.
The PA State Senate will vote on a veto override of Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI on March 29th or 30th. At the same time, HB 637 will be in the House for a vote on March 28th or 29th. This is a fast-track attempt to negate RGGI and bring back a fossil fuel economy, which will hurt our environment and our health.
What does this mean?
HB 637 is an anti-RGGI bill that was recently amended to add a one-time payment to the state of $250 million. These funds come from the state’s COVID relief funding. This is a blatant attempt to “sweeten the pot” for legislators who aren’t sure if they want RGGI because they feel they have to vote along party lines. HB 637 also takes away the power from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to enact any carbon reduction program, including RGGI. HB 637 is bad for Pennsylvania and is a partisan attempt to get back to a fossil fuel economy.
RGGI will produce hundreds of millions of dollars in proceeds to help mitigate climate change each year through 2030, including more than $400 million in the first year alone. It will provide sustainable jobs and real climate mitigation.
Please contact your legislators NOW to protect RGGI.
Thank you for your continued support of a fair democracy that works for everyone.
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