Shown is the Northampton generating station in Northampton, Pa., Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled a plan to fight climate change Wednesday, saying he will back legislation to make power plant owners in Pennsylvania pay for their planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions and require utilities in the nation's third-biggest power-producer to buy more electricity from renewable sources. – Pennsylvania Gov.
Under Shapiro's plan, Pennsylvania would create its own standalone carbon-pricing program, with most of the money paid by polluting power plants — 70% — going to lower consumer electric bills. No one will pay more for electricity and many will pay less, Shapiro said. Republicans who control the state Senate have pushed to open greater opportunities for energy production in Pennsylvania, and have warned that carbon-pricing could raise electricity bills, fray the electricity grid, hurt in-state energy producers and drive new power generation to other states.
Patrick Cicero, Pennsylvania’s consumer advocate, said the amount of potential savings on electric bills will depend on usage — with large industrial customers to see more and low-income households to get “significant reductions” because of a planned expansion of the state’s energy-assistance program.
Despite, the lack of detail, Shapiro's plan drew statements of support from renewable energy trade associations and environmental advocates.