The Senate has several bills on the verge of passing and heading to the House. A few could affect the future of energy development and a just transition for fossil fuel workers in Pennsylvania.
One of these bills, SB 832, would establish an Independent Energy Office in our state. This office would analyze laws, regulations, and policies and make energy-related recommendations. They would cover coal, gas and oil, electric power, energy efficiency, solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, landfill gas, renewable gas, nuclear, and other energy technology. It is important to note that the agency should not be partial to any particular energy source or policy. Instead, they are supposed to guide our state leaders with data-driven analysis. This office could end up perpetuating the fossil fuel industry indefinitely instead of spurring the transition to renewable sources, so this is something to watch.
Another bill expected to move this week is SB 1058. This bill would repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative rulemaking and officially pull us out of the program. Without RGGI, PA would be without a solidified plan on how to generate funds that could be invested back into transitioning communities, while pushing us closer to our climate goals.
A crucial part of our democratic process is our representatives hearing from their constituents. If you have opinions on either of these bills, we encourage you to reach out and make sure your representative knows what you think! It may inform how they vote.
As always, CCJ is monitoring these bills and more. Sign up for our mailing list to stay up to date!
P.S. SB 831 is also expected to pass the Senate and move to the House this week. Learn more about that bill and take action here!
