Lawmakers introduce landmark energy bills in Pa. House

Shapiro: PACER and PRESS plans would create clean and reliable energy in Pa.

Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, Rep. Aerion Andrew Abney | May 8, 2024 | 1:26 PM

1. State Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, D-Chester, and state Rep. Aerion Abney, D-Allegheny, have introduced legislation to advance the Shapiro administration’s Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS) and Pennsylvania Climate Emission Reduction (PACER) Program plans for Pennsylvania.
2. A companion PRESS bill has been filed in the Senate by state Sen. Steven Santarsiero, D-Bucks, while state Sen. Carolyn Comitta, D-Chester, introduced the Senate version of the PACER legislation.
3. The plans were first announced by Gov. Josh Shapiro in March.

“Right now in our commonwealth, we must take action to catch up in the race to create clean and reliable energy – to be more competitive, ensure consumers pay less for their electricity bills, and create more jobs and opportunities for our businesses to grow and our workers to get ahead,” Shapiro said. “I have made clear that any energy policy supported by my administration must meet the three-part test of protecting and creating energy jobs, taking real action to address climate change pollution, and ensuring reliable, affordable power for consumers in the long term – and my energy plan is built to do all three. Together with the support of leaders like Representative Abney and Representative Otten in the General Assembly, we’re going to ensure Pennsylvania will continue to be a national energy leader for decades to come.”

Enacting the PRESS legislation

• The PRESS legislation, introduced as H.B. 2277, would significantly increase the amount of renewable energy that utilities use.
• It would save Pennsylvanians money on energy bills, create thousands of clean energy jobs, and reduce harmful emissions that result in air pollution and global warming.
• PRESS would require Pennsylvania to get 50% of its electricity from a diverse range of energy resources by 2035, including 35% from clean sources such as solar, wind, and small modular reactors.

“With the language now introduced, the next step is for the General Assembly to hold public hearings on this legislation and make the strong case for why, after nearly two decades of inaction, it’s time to move forward on energy policy that advances our climate goals and economic goals,” Otten said. “If enacted, PRESS and PACER together would be the most substantive and ambitious clean energy policy in Pennsylvania history and the biggest step our commonwealth has ever taken to reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change. We are at a point where inaction on climate is not an option. Only 4% of Pennsylvania’s energy comes from renewable sources, and we are ranked 45th in the country for the amount of clean energy that’s used to power our homes and businesses.”

The PACER program

• The PACER program, introduced as H.B. 2275, would complement PRESS by mandating that large carbon-emitting entities pay their fair share.
• Of the total revenues collected, 70% would be returned to PA electricity consumers in the form of a rebate.
• The remaining 30% would go toward projects focused on decreasing air pollution and benefiting environmental justice communities.

“PACER and PRESS are essential cogs in the machine that is our commonwealth’s environmental prosperity and posterity,” Abney said. “We must fully invest in these programs not just for a greener PA but also for the economic stimulus they would help provide. Thank you to Rep. Otten and senators Comitta and Santarsiero for their collaboration on bringing this component of a budget for all Pennsylvanians closer to fruition.”

In the Senate, Comitta filed S.B. 1191 to reflect the PACER plan.

“Pennsylvania accounts for about 1% of global emissions. As a major energy-producing state, we have a responsibility to lead the way in addressing climate change. PACER and PRESS can work together to bring Pennsylvanians cleaner air, more job opportunities, and lower electricity bills,” said Comitta, minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

Santarsiero filed PRESS legislation in the Senate as S.B. 1190.

“I have long said that it’s a false premise to say we must choose between creating jobs or saving our planet,” Santarsiero said. “I applaud Gov. Shapiro for leading the way and bringing together the interests of consumers, labor, and the environment to find a solution that works for all of us. To that end, I am proud to introduce legislation to create the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard, the next generation of alternative energy portfolio standards for the commonwealth.”

According to the Shapiro administration, if passed by the legislature, in their first five years, PACER and PRESS are projected to save ratepayers an estimated $252 million, create nearly 15,000 energy jobs, and generate $5.1 billion in investment in clean, reliable energy sources.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption

2. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Indicator 13.2.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning into primary, secondary, and tertiary curricula

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
   • Indicator 8.5.1: Average hourly earnings of female and male employees, by occupation, age, and persons with disabilities

4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management
   • Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and with adequate final discharge out of total urban solid waste generated, by cities

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article addresses multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their corresponding targets and indicators. The identified SDGs are:

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

The article discusses the introduction of legislation that would increase the amount of renewable energy used in Pennsylvania. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. The specific target under SDG 7 that can be identified is:

• Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix

The article mentions that the legislation would require Pennsylvania to get 50% of its electricity from a diverse range of energy resources by 2035, including 35% from clean sources such as solar, wind, and small modular reactors. This target aligns with the goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in the energy mix.

SDG 13: Climate Action

The article highlights the importance of taking action to address climate change pollution. This aligns with SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. The specific target under SDG 13 that can be identified is:

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

The article mentions that the legislation would advance the state’s climate goals and help reduce air pollution and mitigate climate change. This target aligns with the goal of integrating climate change measures into policies and planning.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The article discusses the potential economic benefits of the proposed legislation, including job creation and investment in clean energy sources. This aligns with SDG 8, which aims to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The specific target under SDG 8 that can be identified is:

• Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value

The article mentions that the legislation is projected to create nearly 15,000 energy jobs and generate $5.1 billion in investment in clean, reliable energy sources. This target aligns with the goal of achieving full and productive employment and decent work.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The article emphasizes the need to reduce air pollution and improve environmental impact in cities. This aligns with SDG 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The specific target under SDG

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Fuente: pahouse.com

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