Opinion: Why Gov. Josh Shapiro’s PRESS initiative is a boon for PA’s energy sector

Pennsylvania’s Proposed Renewable Energy Standards: A Path Towards Sustainable Development

Pennsylvania has always been an energy leader. Now, the commonwealth is at risk of losing that status as the economic tides shift toward renewable energy.

The Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS)

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard, also known as PRESS, will undoubtedly foster much-needed economic growth for the state’s renewable energy sector by modernizing our current renewable energy standards. Not only will this initiative create numerous energy jobs across solar, wind, and other industries that support renewable development, but it will also invigorate the business community by attracting federal investments and fostering innovation in Pennsylvania’s energy sector.

Advantages of Modernizing Renewable Energy Standards

Clean energy professionals and environmental leaders widely agree that this move is an advantageous solution to both environmental and economic challenges the commonwealth faces.

• 129,000 new jobs could be created
• $13.1 billion of new investment could be made in Pennsylvania over the next six years

Pennsylvania’s Outdated Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS)

According to the Environment America Research and Policy Center, from 2013-2023, Pennsylvania ranked 49th in the nation for renewable energy growth as a whole, lagging behind only Alaska. The reason for this is simple – Pennsylvania’s outdated Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard. The AEPS was passed in 2004 to advance Pennsylvania’s use of alternative energy sources to traditional fossil fuels. The act requires 18% of all energy sold to retail customers to be generated from alternative sources, with only 8% required to be generated from renewables.

The Need for Updated Renewable Energy Targets

While Pennsylvania’s alternative energy targets were ambitious in 2004, they have failed to keep pace with the escalating energy demands, market competition, and the consequential impacts of climate change.

• Neighboring New York surpassed and has continued to expand their standards to 30% renewable energy by 2015 and, most recently, 70% renewable energy by 2030.

The Role of Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS)

Last month, Shapiro proposed his comprehensive energy plan that, if passed by the legislature, would save Pennsylvanians $252 million in energy costs in the first five years, create nearly 15,000 energy jobs, and generate $5.1 billion in investment in clean, reliable energy sources. A key policy in the governor’s proposal, PRESS would bump Pennsylvania’s renewable energy requirement up to 35% – a significant improvement from the current 8% under the AEPS. PRESS will be pivotal in attracting federal energy investments, driving down utility costs in the long-term, and building out a reliable, sustainable, and economically viable energy future for Pennsylvania.

Support from State Sen. Carolyn Comitta

State Sen. Carolyn Comitta, the minority chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee – and future co-sponsor of the governor’s proposed PRESS legislation – joins the growing number of legislators recognizing the urgent need for Pennsylvania’s leadership in the energy transition.

The Growing Clean Energy Economy in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s clean energy economy is growing – and policies must follow suit. In 2023, the commonwealth added nearly 4,000 new clean energy workers. Clean energy now accounts for over one-third of all energy jobs in Pennsylvania.

The Role of Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia (SBN)

The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia is the foremost advocacy and membership organization dedicated to championing values-driven businesses throughout Greater Philadelphia. Serving diverse fields and professions within the energy sector, SBN has witnessed the profound impact that conscientious professionals in clean energy can wield.

Renewables: The Future of Energy

Renewables are the future of energy. They now make up 17% of our total electricity in the U.S. Pennsylvania, in the last decade, has only brought online enough renewable energy to power 2% of the state’s homes, and only purchased 3% renewable energy from out of state. Pennsylvania continues to live in the past while much of the country is working towards a clean, reliable energy future.

Conclusion

It is time for Pennsylvania to modernize its renewable energy standards by passing PRESS. The energy sector is well-positioned for progress. Investing in clean energy jobs and renewable development is now crucial for the commonwealth’s economic sustainability.

Devi Ramkissoon is the executive director of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia; Doug Edwards is the president of Exact Solar, a leading solar installation, engineering, and service company in Greater Philadelphia; and Aaron Nichols is a NABCEP-certified climate-tech copywriter for Exact Solar.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
• SDG 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
• SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Number of renewable energy jobs created
• Amount of new investment made in renewable energy sector
• Percentage of energy generated from renewable sources
• Reduction in energy costs for consumers

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Note: The specific indicators mentioned in the table are inferred from the information provided in the article.

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Fuente: cityandstatepa.com

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