Bill aims to ensure reasonable electricity rates
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Pam Snyder, D-Jefferson, said a House panel Wednesday approved her measure that would require Pennsylvania to develop carbon dioxide emission plans that protect electricity consumers’ wallets and the reliability of the energy supply.
“The legislation, House Bill 2354, provides a safety net for Pennsylvanians on electricity costs and reliability,” said Snyder, a member of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, which sent the measure to the full House for consideration by a 19-5 vote.
“The bill does not alter the proposed federal mandate to cut coal plants’ carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent by 2030 but would enlist all stakeholders and consider all strategies as we move forward,” Snyder said. “The state plan would face approvals by the legislature before it can be submitted to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.”
Snyder said cooperation and consensus are much better strategies than assuming that the EPA will do what’s best for Pennsylvania.
“We need to explore all energy sources, technologies and options, including adopting energy efficiency programs, working in tandem with other coal states and employing the best strategies and data available,” Snyder said. “The emission curbs are coming, but Pennsylvania has a responsibility to see that they work and that they work in our best interest.”
Snyder said the state Department of Environmental Protection would be required to hold public hearings across the commonwealth, including at locations that would feel direct, economic impacts from the federal regulations, before submitting a plan to the General Assembly.
“Pennsylvania’s input and unique energy blend are critical to protecting the affordability and reliability of Pennsylvania’s electricity supplies while implementing the standards,” Snyder said. “Federal law provides for state input and guidance on the proposed rules, and I aim to make sure that Pennsylvania submits a plan that curbs emissions while protecting jobs, pocketbooks and power supplies.”
Tuesday, the House overwhelmingly adopted Snyder’s H.R. 815, which asks the EPA to accord Pennsylvania maximum flexibility in addressing the proposed emission standards.