The 60-day public comment period for Governor Wolf’s executive order for Pennsylvania to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative began yesterday, with the draft rulemaking’s appearance in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
The 10-state coalition imposes heavy taxes on power plants for each ton of carbon dioxide they emit. The RGGI compact would most likely force Indiana County’s coal-fired power plants to close and cause much higher electricity rates, as Pennsylvania’s electricity consumers would have to purchase their power from other states. There would also be considerable damage done to local school districts such as Homer Center, United, and Indiana Area, as well as to the county’s tax coffers.
Governor Wolf claims the state will make about $300 million through taxes on the electricity generators in the first year of RGGI, despite power plants closing and providing nothing in tax revenue.
The Department of Environmental Protection has scheduled 10 virtual hearings to gather public comment. They will happen December 8th through the 14th, with sessions each day in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Public comment may also be made by e-mailing RegComments@pa.gov, or by regular mail to: Environmental Quality Board, P.O. Box 8477, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8477
Comments