FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2019
Press contact:
Meredith Montalto
P: 215-735-6760
E: Meredith@ceislermedia.com
Clean Power PA Coalition Applauds Legislation to Modernize Commonwealth’s Renewable Energy Standards
Pennsylvania Senate bill would increase wind and solar generation, help tackle climate change
Harrisburg (March 14, 2019) – The Clean Power PA Coalition today applauded the bipartisan effort of State Senators Art Haywood (D-Montgomery County), Thomas Killion (R-Delaware County) and Steven Santarsiero (D-Bucks County) to update Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS).
The senators have circulated a co-sponsorship memo indicating they will soon introduce legislation to increase the Tier 1 AEPS requirement for renewable energy from the current 8% to 30% by 2030. The bill would carve out 7.5% of the target for in-state, grid-scale solar (such as utility-scale solar farms) as well as 2.5% for in-state distributed generation solar (such as rooftop solar).
“We are excited that senators Haywood, Killion and Santarsiero recognize the tremendous potential for a clean energy economy in Pennsylvania powered by renewable energy. Their proposed legislation to modernize renewable energy standards will cut carbon emissions, improve public health and our environment and create tens of thousands of new family-sustaining jobs for residents of our Commonwealth.
“Reducing carbon emissions from the power generation sector in Pennsylvania is a critical and urgent goal we must meet in order to tackle climate change. Significantly scaling up solar and wind generation via the AEPS will help Pennsylvania mitigate its status as the nation’s third-largest carbon emitter.
“We are also glad that the senators have included strong consumer protection measures as part of this important and much needed policy effort.
“It’s time for Pennsylvania to pursue a clean energy future in which addressing climate change will also drive job creation and innovation. Senators Haywood, Killion and Santarsiero have proposed a bold vision for this path forward and we look forward to working with them to make these renewable energy goals a reality.”
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The Clean Power PA Coalition is a group of clean energy, business, faith, and community leaders committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s environment and powering its economy through clean energy. The coalition includes the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), PennFuture, Clean Air Council, Moms Clean Air Force, Penn Environment, NextGen Climate America, Conservation Voters of PA, Clean Water Action, Voces Verdes, Sierra Club, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Audubon Pennsylvania, Physicians for Social Responsibility-Philadelphia, Climate Parents, Partnership for Policy Integrity, Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light, Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association, Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, Sustainable Pittsburgh and Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2).
For more information, visit www.cleanpowerpa.org