Pa. environmental advocates say raising energy standards will create jobs and help address climate change
Written by Juliana on December 24, 2020
Pa. environmental advocates say raising energy standards will create jobs and help address climate change
Pennsylvania’s goals for utilities to buy increased amounts of power from alternative sources, such as wind and solar, are set to flatline next year unless the General Assembly acts.
StateImpact Pennsylvania’s Rachel McDevitt reports some say raising the standards will create jobs and help address climate change.
Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act of 2004 set a series of targets for electricity generated by a range of sources, from solar to waste coal. Utilities are on track to meet the 2021 goal of 18% – with 8% coming from renewables.
A coalition of clean energy companies wants to see the bar raised to 18% renewables by 2025.
Sharon Pillar with the coalition says without new goals, companies don’t have the incentive to build in the commonwealth.
“They’re not rushing to Pennsylvania because our policies are not, they’re not going to make those projects work as easily.”
Meanwhile, neighboring states have set much higher targets. New Jersey and Maryland are shooting for 50% renewable energy by 2030.
Bipartisan measures to raise renewables standards were introduced in the legislature last session, but most died in committee.
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