Posted: | February 28, 2023 04:47 PM |
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From: | Senator Steven J. Santarsiero and Sen. Carolyn T. Comitta, Sen. Art Haywood |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Modernizing Pennsylvania's Renewable Energy Standards |
While the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS) was a forward-looking policy when enacted in 2004, neighboring states with stronger energy standards have surpassed us – creating thousands of new, family-sustaining jobs and cutting emissions in the process. In fact, over the last two years, Maryland (50%), New Jersey (50%) and New York (70%) all significantly increased their renewable energy standards by 2030. There is a clear opportunity cost of not taking greater advantage of the environmental and economic opportunities that the renewable industry supplies. Since the AEPS percentage requirements plateaued in 2021, the state needs to set more assertive, long-term targets to realize the economic and environmental potential of renewable energy in the Commonwealth. Therefore, we plan to introduce legislation to keep Pennsylvania competitive with surrounding states by setting realistic and achievable renewable energy requirements through the AEPS. Specifically, our legislation:
With soaring electricity prices and the passage of the federal Inflation Reduction Act, renewable energy is offering homeowners, businesses, farms, nonprofits, and municipalities the opportunity to save money on their utility bills. It is time we tap into the enormous benefits from increasing our renewable energy goals and re-establish Pennsylvania as a clean energy leader. Failing to do so would effectively shut the door on thousands of new jobs throughout the state. Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation for Pennsylvania to remain competitive in America’s renewable energy economy. This is a reintroduction of Senate Bill 300 from last session, which was co-sponsored by Senators Kearney, Street, Fontana, Hughes, Costa, Muth, Collett, L. Williams, and Dillon. |
Introduced as SB230