Nuclear Bailout Bill Dramatically Misses Mark, Ignores Need for Pennsylvania to Cut Carbon Pollution
State needs a binding, declining limit on power sector carbon pollution
(HARRISBURG, Pa.) Today, Rep. Tom Mehaffie and other members of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives introduced a bill to subsidize the state’s nuclear power plants. The bill adds a third tier to the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS), which creates a mechanism that effectively requires the purchase of power from the state’s existing nuclear plants irrespective of the availability of lower cost options.
The bill fails to address the immediate need to develop a durable strategy to clean up the carbon pollution from Pennsylvania’s energy sector. Placing a binding, declining limit on power sector carbon emissions that creates the opportunity for flexible, low-cost and efficient market-based solutions to achieve the limit will ensure Pennsylvania actually cuts pollution at the lowest cost while fostering investment in, and deployment of, zero emission electricity. This is the foundation for any sustainable long-term energy strategy.
“It’s time for Pennsylvania to focus on cost-effective policies to reduce pollution and figure out what their neighbors have already: clean energy solutions can be deployed at cost savings to customers. Pennsylvania must take concrete action to reduce its carbon emissions. It’s the only state from Maine to Virginia without a limit on carbon pollution from the power sector, and today’s proposed legislation will leave Pennsylvania even further behind. This is an expensive Band-Aid that saddles consumers with the majority of risk.”
- Andrew Williams, director of regulatory and legislative affairs
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Media Contact
Latest press releases
- September 23, 2024
-
Court Should Deny Shadow Docket Requests to Block Methane Pollution Limits
September 20, 2024 -
CFTC Guidance will Strengthen Voluntary Carbon Credits
September 20, 2024 -
Navajo Nation takes significant action to cut methane, assert tribal sovereignty
September 19, 2024 -
Houston-area High School Students Selected as Winners in Environmental Defense Fund Video Contest
September 16, 2024 -
New Bill Would Help Congress Better Understand Legislation’s Climate Impacts
September 12, 2024