For far too long politicians on both sides of the aisle have blocked out the voices of those who elected them. The time for them to listen to us is now.

Pennsylvanians are fortunate enough to live in a state that sits on riches. We must ensure that bad policy isn’t brought in under the guise of environmental policy.

The United States has made tremendous progress in reducing carbon emissions from electricity generation — emissions have dropped significantly according to testimony provided by experts at recent Senate hearings — thanks in large part to the increased use of natural gas. Natural gas companies are even researching carbon capture to further reduce emissions. 

Pennsylvanians like me will not be fooled by bad policy like the proposed nuclear bailout, which is really just another corporate subsidy. While leaders in the natural gas community are moving in the right direction, it feels like those in Harrisburg are trying to pull the rug out from under us. The bailout will undermine the competitive marketplace and could even reduce new investments in emissions-reducing natural gas plants. If lawmakers want to help the environment, they should reject the nuclear bailout.

Mary Kaye Soriano Zelienople