Keystone Today

Lawmakers are responding in bipartisan opposition to the state of Pennsylvania joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

Pennsylvania is one of the largest coal-producing states in the country, and the move to join RGGI is facing backlash, not only from labor but also from those backing coal and natural gas. People are beginning to speak up and urging the Legislature to do something about the governor's decision, such as passing a bill that would require the governor to seek legislative approval before joining RGGI, according to Politico.

Sen. Bob Mensch (R-Marlborough Township) responded to Gov. Tom Wolfe's (D) decision to join RGGI. "You need the Legislature to participate with the governor in this," Mensch said, according to Keystone Today. "We're talking about people's jobs, people's money, people's livelihoods." 

Sen. Bob Mensch | stock photo

A bipartisan group, made up of mostly Republicans, is trying to prevent the state from entering RGGI as scheduled for Jan. 1, according to Politico.

NPR reports that while there are some Democrats who want to avoid entering the agreement by working with Republicans to pass a disapproval resolution, it's not certain that there is a majority that could be united against a veto from Wolf.

"Climate change is one of the most critical issues we face, and I have made it a priority to address ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," Wolfe said, according to Keystone Today. "By participating in RGGI, Pennsylvania is taking a historic, proactive and progressive approach that will have significant positive environmental, public health and economic impacts." 

A website supporting those who want themselves and their Legislature to have a voice in the matter is Power PA Jobs, which provides information for contacting your state lawmakers about the issue.

“When you start explaining to (people) and going into the details (of RGGI), it goes from them simply not caring about it to being scared,” Mark Hilliard, the president of the Indiana County Chamber of Commerce, told Politico.

According to Keystone Today, Pennsylvania administration officials estimate that emissions in the state will be reduced by 31% compared to levels in 2019.