HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is poised to take a bold step towards addressing climate change and fostering economic growth through the introduction of the Pennsylvania Climate Emission Reduction (PACER) Program. Spearheaded by State Senator Carolyn Comitta and State Representative Aerion Abney, the initiative aims to establish a state-specific cap-and-trade system designed to reduce carbon emissions, lower electric bills for consumers, and create thousands of jobs in the clean energy sector.
The PACER Program emerges as a cornerstone of Governor Shapiro’s Energy Strategy, signaling a robust commitment to environmental stewardship and economic innovation. By setting a Pennsylvania-specific price on carbon emissions, the program requires large emitters to pay for their carbon output, with the proceeds earmarked for utility rebates and investment in clean energy projects.
Projected outcomes for the first five years of PACER are notably ambitious: an estimated $252 million in savings for ratepayers, the creation of nearly 15,000 jobs in the energy sector, and a whopping $5.1 billion funneled into clean, reliable energy sources. These figures underscore the potential for PACER to significantly impact both the state’s economy and its environmental footprint.
Senator Comitta, serving as the minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, emphasized the urgency and the dual benefits of the legislation. “We must act now to reduce our carbon emissions for this generation and the next one,” she stated. Comitta highlighted that PACER not only addresses the pressing issue of climate change but also supports job growth, facilitates the transition to clean energy, and offers financial relief to consumers.
State Rep. Aerion Abney echoed this sentiment, framing PACER as a visionary approach to reimagining Pennsylvania’s climate future. “This legislation would provide a much-needed bridge to a more renewable future, foster economic growth, and move us closer towards environmental justice,” Abney remarked.
Under PACER, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection will calculate a state-specific cap on carbon emissions and oversee independent credit auctions. The revenue generated from these auctions will be allocated in two primary ways: 70 percent will be returned directly to electricity consumers as on-bill rebates, and 30 percent will fund energy efficiency projects, support low-income energy consumers, and invest in clean energy initiatives. Notably, 40 percent of project funding is dedicated to benefiting communities identified as needing environmental justice.
Interestingly, the introduction of PACER marks a departure from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a similar carbon cap-and-invest program involving several Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI has been mired in legal challenges, and the adoption of PACER would effectively withdraw the state from the regional agreement.
The potential implications of PACER are profound. Beyond the immediate environmental and economic benefits, the program represents a significant shift in how the state approaches climate policy, emphasizing local solutions and accountability. As Pennsylvania seeks to navigate the complexities of climate change and economic transformation, PACER offers a promising blueprint for a sustainable and prosperous future.
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