Diverse Group Of Businesses, Nonprofits Call For Strong Carbon Pollution Reduction Program To Grow Energy Efficiency, Renewable Industries

On July 8, in advance of an expected vote today in the House on House Bill 2025 (Struzzi-R- Indiana) to obstruct an effective, market-based tool to create jobs and increase economic development, a coalition of Pennsylvania businesses, business associations, and nonprofit organizations sent a letter encouraging the Department of Environmental Protection to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy with proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). 

Investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy can reduce Pennsylvanians’ energy costs, strengthen business investment, and create local jobs, all while reducing carbon and air pollution.

So far, 61 businesses and nonprofit organizations have signed the letter, which was addressed to the Environmental Quality Board, with copies to the Governor’s Office and DEP.

The letter urged the EQB and DEP to advance the market-based program linked to RGGI and use the proceeds for a range of clean energy solutions, including incentives to help Pennsylvanians reduce their energy use and lower costs; programs to support community solar, microgrids, and energy storage; and initiatives to encourage low-income households, communities of color, small businesses and others to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Business leaders signing the letter emphasized the importance of the investments that can be made through RGGI.

"This is a common-sense approach that can help manufacturers like DMI invest in upgrades that make our business even more efficient, productive, and sustainable,” said Doug Gudenburr, Chief of Operations for DMI. “Programs that support energy-efficient construction mean a larger market for high-quality, efficient materials made right here in Pennsylvania."

"At HOK, we know that sustainable design delivers savings, wellness, and comfort for decades to come,” said Anica Landreneau, Director of Sustainable Design and Senior Principal at HOK. “A RGGI program that invests in sustainably-designed construction through a whole-building approach to energy efficiency will help more firms like ours transform the built environment in Pennsylvania."

“2G Energy Inc. understands the importance of decentralized Combined Heat and Power projects, because they allow businesses to reduce emissions, improve plant efficiency, and save on energy bills, which ultimately gives those businesses the opportunity to invest in more local jobs,” said Aaron Tasin, Vice President of Sales at 2G Energy, Inc. “States that are allocating RGGI investments into energy efficiency set an example nation-wide on how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while at the same time allowing for a business to participate in a sustainable, responsible way to improve profitability and efficiency.”

Clean Energy In PA Means Jobs

Clean energy – energy efficiency, renewable energy, storage, and clean transportation – accounted for nearly 91,000 Pennsylvania jobs in 2019, but since March of 2020 more than 21,000 of these jobs were lost due to COVID-19. 

According to the DEP, the value of RGGI proceeds in Pennsylvania could reach $300 million or more annually. Investing these proceeds into energy efficiency and renewable energy projects would deliver economic recovery and growth, create local jobs, and save Pennsylvanians money on utility bills.

Signatories to the letter include: 2G Energy Inc; 7group; AIA Pennsylvania; AJT Architect; Alturus; BAU Architecture, LLC; CCI, Inc; Ceres; Combined Heat and Power Alliance; CHP-Funder.com; Compton Insights; Cree Lighting; Daphne More AIA LLC; DCK Power Solutions; DIGSAU; DMI Companies; DNV GL Energy Services USA Inc; E2; eco(n)law LLC; Energy Opportunities, Inc.; Envinity, Inc; Epic Metals; eSai LLC; evolve LLC; Facility Solutions Group; Franklin Energy; Green Building United; Green Energy Economics Group, Inc.; Green Stone Energy; GreenBeams; Heat is Power Association; Henry F. Teichmann Inc.; HOK; Inch and Meter, PC; Integrated CHP Systems Corp.; Karbon Architects; Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance; Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.; Macht Architecture; MaGrann Associates; Moshier Studio; Oriden; Pashek + MTR; Performance Systems Development; Practical Energy Solutions; Recurve; RM Green Environmental Services, LLC; Schaedler Yesco Distribution, Inc.; Sealed; Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association of Pennsylvania;  SMP Architects; Solar Turbines Inc.; Sterling Energy Group, LLC; Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia; Sustainable Pittsburgh; Turbine Inlet Cooling Association; Uplight; Verde Architecture Consulting; Warren Energy Engineering; and Willdan.

Click Here for a copy of the letter.

Visit DEP’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative webpage for more information.

[Update: ICF Did Not Authorize The Use Of Its Name On This Letter Supporting  DEP’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Proposal.  Read more here.]

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-- New DEP Analysis Shows Capping Carbon Pollution From Power Plants Would Save Hundreds Of Lives And Billions of Dollars

-- Modeling For Carbon Pollution Reduction Proposal Shows 180M Ton Reduction In CO2, 3% Increase In Electric, Coal Use Drops Either Way

-- New Poll Finds 79% Of Pennsylvania Voters Support Limits On Carbon Pollution From Power Plants

-- PA Environmental Council, Environmental Defense Fund Urge House Members To Oppose HB 2025 Taking Away DEP’s Authority To Adopt Carbon Pollution Reduction Programs

-- Ceres Business, Investor Group Urges House To Oppose HB 2025 Because It Would Harm PA’s Ability To Enact Economy-Friendly Carbon Reduction Policies

-- PA Nuclear Energy Group Says HB 2025 A Distraction From Energy Policies That Reduce Carbon Pollution

[Posted: July 8, 2020]  PA Environment Digest