Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Moms Clean Air Force PA Urge Gov. Shapiro To Protect The RGGI Program Regulating Carbon Pollution From Power Plants To Cut Climate Pollution

On November 5, in response to reports that Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) could be traded away in budget negotiations,
Moms Clean Air Force Pennsylvania Field Organizer Vanessa Lynch released the following statement-- 

“With positive impacts to health, climate change, job creation, and reliable, affordable, clean energy, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is the single most effective tool for cleaning up the air Pennsylvania families breathe while also tackling global warming that will impact the world our children grow up in and the future they will inherit. 

“Governor Shapiro must not trade away this proven public health protector, especially not when Pennsylvania’s power sector is among the most polluting in the country.”

“A 2020 children’s health study showed that by lowering harmful soot from power plants, RGGI has helped to avoid asthma attacks, preterm births, and low birth weight across the Northeast. 

“Researchers conservatively estimated avoided health costs of up to $350 million. RGGI could also generate $1.5 billion in statewide energy bill savings in the next five years alone-- delivering lower bills and real savings for Pennsylvania families struggling with rising energy costs.”

“There is no other opportunity in Pennsylvania that would achieve the environmental and financial benefits possible with RGGI, and to bargain away this powerful clean air program over the budget impasse would jeopardize the long term health of Pennsylvania families. 

“This is a pivotal moment for Governor Shapiro to solidify his commitment to climate action through a cap and invest program focused on cleaning up the air our children breathe.”

Visit the Moms Clean Air Force Pennsylvania website for more information on initiatives, programs, upcoming events and how you can become involved.

Related Articles This Week: 

-- Nov. 12 Joint Meeting Of DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council, Environmental Justice Advisory Board To Hear EJ Concerns With A.I. Data Centers, Update On DEP’s EJ Initiatives, Cumulative Impacts Of Facilities  [PaEN]

-- PJM Winter Power Outlook: Adequate Power Supplies Available To Serve Growing Demand Under Expected Conditions; 1 GigaWatt Of Mostly Solar Power Capacity Added Since Last Winter  [PaEN] 

-- Guest Essay: Don’t Trade Away Pennsylvania's Climate Regulations As Part Of State Budget Deal  [Fossil Fuel Power Plants Power Wave Of Data Center Proposals]  -  By Rep. Greg Vitali, Majority Chair, House Environmental & Natural Resource Protection Committee  [PaEN] 

-- PEC Podcast: Advanced Electric Transmission Technology - More Capacity, More Power Out Of Our Existing Grid At A Fraction Of The Cost  [PaEN] 

-- Water At Risk: A.I. Data Centers Bait And Switch? - By Carol Hillestad for Brodhead Watershed Association, Monroe County [PaEN] 

-- PUC: Utilities Will Not Terminate LIHEAP-Eligible Heating Customers During Federal Shutdown; Customers Need To Call Utilities Now To Stay Connected This Winter  [PaEN]  

NewsClips:

-- Spotlight PA: Millions At Risk Of Power Shut Off Because Of Federal LIHEAP Funding Delays During Federal Shutdown [PA Included]

-- TribLive: Surge In A.I. Data Centers Sparks Concern Over Water Demands

-- Wall Street Journal: What Happened When Small-Town America Became A.I. Data Center, USA [PDF of Article

[Posted: November 5, 2025]  PA Environment Digest

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