Tom Wolf

Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed a Senate regulatory review resolution that would have impeded the state's ability to enter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, according to a Monday news release from the governor's office.

In October 2019, Wolf directed the DEP to join RGGI, a collaboration of 11 Northeast and mid-Atlantic states, which set a cap on carbon dioxide emissions from electric power generators in their states.

In April, 2021, Sen. Joe Pittman, R-41st, introduced Senate Bill 119, which would create the Pennsylvania Carbon Dioxide Cap and Trade Authorization Act, which prohibited the Department of Environmental Protection from joining RGGI without legislative approval.

Senate Concurrent Regulatory Review Resolution 1 would have disapproved of the state's joining of the RGGI and, according to the news release, would have disabled the state's opportunity to enter.

“Addressing the global climate crisis is one of the most important and critical challenges we face,” Wolf said. “In addition to the environmental benefits, participating in this initiative will allow Pennsylvania to make targeted investments that will support workers and communities affected by energy transition.”

The goal of RGGI is to reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuel burning power plants by setting a regional cap on emissions from plants in the participating states.

RGGI would stimulate the economy to the tune of $2 billion? while reducing harmful greenhouse gases, according to the news release.

The news release says the majority of Pennsylvanians support the plan to enter the RGGI. By reducing air pollution, it would improve public health with 30,000 fewer respiratory hospital visits, the news release said.