Oct. 03, 2019
HARRISBURG – Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler) issued the following statement in response to the governor announcing he is taking steps administratively to commit Pennsylvania to enter into full participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
“The executive branch cannot unilaterally bind Pennsylvania into multi-state agreements without the approval of the people’s representatives in the General Assembly. The Legislature must have the opportunity to debate RGGI to determine what is best for all regions of our Commonwealth. This is what we were elected to do. It is our job to represent the best interests of our constituents.
“Gov. Tom Wolf’s initiative will cost average Pennsylvanians more of their hard-earned money through their energy bills, without legislative approval. His executive order will also cause our Commonwealth and the citizens to lose out on countless business opportunities and jobs to neighboring states that are not a part of RGGI.”
RGGI is a cooperative effort among Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont to cap and reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the power sector. A regional cap is placed on an allowable amount of CO2 emissions from power sectors (fossil-fueled power pants 25MW and larger). Most of the allowances are distributed through quarterly auctions.
“The cost of RGGI compliance will result in higher electric bills for families, seniors, nonprofits, businesses and schools. This is a mandate to eliminate fossil fuels and to eliminate our competitive energy industry. This means Pennsylvania’s power sector industry will be required to pay for allowable emissions, resulting in a form of additional double taxation upon an industry that already provides tax revenue, jobs and low energy costs to Pennsylvania families.”
Mustello represents the 11th Legislative District in Butler County, which includes the city of Butler; Chicora, Connoquenessing, Fairview, Karns City, Petrolia, Prospect and Saxonburg boroughs; as well as Butler, Clearfield, Connoquenessing, Donegal, Fairview, Jefferson, Oakland and Summit townships.
Representative Marci Mustello
11th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
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