Latest news with #LightningPlan
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers rally behind pivotal new energy proposal with statewide consequences: 'This is the moment to act'
Pennsylvania lawmakers hope a proposed bill will catch the state up to its neighbors when it comes to renewable energy — and they're using a full-court press to get the word out to their constituents. MyChesCo reported that officials held a hearing in mid-May to put a spotlight on the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard, or PRESS. The bill is one of two proposed last year by Gov. Josh Shapiro in an attempt to cut the state's dependency on dirty energy. During the hearing, state Rep. Greg Vitali, a Democrat from Delaware, said this legislation is vital for Pennsylvania, which currently gets just 4% of its energy from renewable sources such as wind and solar. In 2020, Pennsylvania emitted the fourth-most planet-warming gases among U.S. states. "The goal of PRESS is to increase energy diversity and increase clean energy," Vitali said. "This is the moment to act with PRESS and the governor's Lightning Plan to strengthen our energy grid, reduce the impact of fossil fuels, and make Pennsylvania an energy leader while protecting our natural environment." PRESS would build upon many of the green initiatives included in the federal Inflation Reduction Act. It would require the state to boost renewable energy each year to at least 35% of its portfolio by 2035, thereby unlocking more than $1.7 billion in federal tax credits. Shapiro has put forth a six-part energy plan as part of his budget proposal. It comes at a time when many residents are facing double-digit increases in their electricity bills, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. Shapiro has also proposed capping the amount of pollution power plants can emit and requiring them to purchase carbon credits to offset pollution above that cap. Robert Bair, president of the Pennsylvania Building Trade, is among those expressing hesitation about PRESS, per MyChesCo, suggesting that safeguards should be in place for Pennsylvania jobs amid any transitions, even though he supported Shapiro's efforts to bring energy conversations to the forefront. "While we may have concerns with certain proposals…we are very supportive of Gov. Shapiro's efforts to stimulate a serious discussion on energy policy with an 'all-of-the-above' approach," he said. PennFuture, an environmental advocacy group, was among the organizations with a presence at May's public hearing. CEO Patrick McDonnell said PRESS is a necessity for Pennsylvania to create a clean, renewable future. "House Bill 501 represents a comprehensive approach to modernizing Pennsylvania's energy landscape," he said in his testimony. "By setting ambitious renewable energy targets and establishing mechanisms to fund sustainable projects, the bill seeks to make energy more affordable for residents while promoting environmental stewardship." Do you think governments should ban gas stoves? Heck yes! Only in new buildings Only in restaurants Heck no! Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Shaprio's renewable energy plan advances as Trump administration keeps Pa. fossil fuel plant online
The Blue Creek wind farm in Ohio, consists of 152 wind turbines with a total capacity of 304 megawatts. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has finalized new rules that are expected to help ease the backlog of new wind, solar and battery storage projects awaiting regulatory approval. (Robert Zullo/ States Newsroom) Days before Pennsylvania lawmakers advanced Gov. Josh Shapiro's plan to expand the commonwealth's renewable energy resources, the Trump administration ordered a fossil fuel-fired power plant outside Philadelphia to keep running past its planned retirement date. The U.S. Department of Energy on Friday ordered Pennsylvania's electricity grid operator PJM Interconnect and owner Constellation Energy to keep the Eddystone Generating Station in Delaware County ready to meet peak power demands. It was scheduled to cease operations Saturday. The order highlights challenges facing Pennsylvania policymakers as they work to ensure there's enough electricity for industry and residents while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Legislation that would set a more ambitious goal for renewable energy production in what Shapiro describes as an all-of-the-above approach to meeting demand passed a state House committee on Monday. House Bill 501 would enact the Pennsylvania Reliability Energy Sustainability Standard (PRESS), which is part of Shapiro's broader energy policy dubbed the Lightning Plan. It would require 35% of the state's energy to come from clean sources including solar, wind, nuclear and other emerging technologies by 2040. Other aspects of the plan would provide tax credits for renewable energy development and establish a dedicated board to streamline energy permitting to incentivize developers to prioritize clean energy. While President Donald Trump has backed the oil, gas and coal industries since he campaigned for his first term in 2016, the DOE order to keep the Eddystone Generating Station online cited an 'emergency situation' as PJM warned that electricity demand in the 13 states it serves could soon outpace the opening of new power plants. PJM projects its peak demand will grow by about 70,000 megawatts to 220,000 megawatts by 2040. The growth is being driven by the increased electrification of transportation and industry and the proliferation of data centers to satisfy the demand for computing power from artificial intelligence and other technologies. PJM's process to authorize new power plants to connect to the grid faces a backlog including hundreds of gigawatts of renewable energy while about 20% of its existing generating capacity is expected to retire in the next five years. Starting this month, consumers in Pennsylvania and the rest of PJM's footprint will see electric bills increase by 10% to 20% as a result of soaring prices in last July's capacity auction, in which electricity generators bid to provide generating capacity. Pennsylvania, meanwhile, lags behind most of the nation in renewable energy development. An analysis of federal energy data by PennEnvironment put the commonwealth behind all but Washington and Alaska, which tied for last place. Debate on the renewable energy legislation Monday in the House Environmental and Natural Resources Committee demonstrated the tension between Pennsylvania's energy future and its past. Republicans argued the goal of obtaining 35% of the state's energy from clean sources by 2035 is unrealistic. Natural gas and coal provide reliable electricity while helping to drive Pennsylvania's economy, they said. Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) said renewable energy sources including solar and wind power would take up too much land. And subsidizing them at the expense of established fossil fuel sources would hurt workers and consumers by taking away jobs and increasing prices. 'It's just going to waste money and not solve our problems,' Twardzik said. Democrats said diversifying the state's energy portfolio is essential to staving off an energy crisis. 'We are at a crossroads,' Rep. Chris Pielli (D-Chester) said. 'I think that we should be looking at many forms of energy, nuclear, geothermal, and even using our gas and our oil.' Pielli rebutted claims by Republicans that the renewable energy legislation would create winners and losers. He argued Pennsylvania's gas industry benefitted from a subsidy when lawmakers chose not to impose an excise tax on gas production, forgoing billions in revenue. Deeply conservative Texas, Pielli noted, leads the nation in both natural gas production, wind and solar energy. 'Let's look at that … recognizing that this bill is an opportunity that we can fine tune, where we can use any and all of these resources to protect our consumers going forward when it comes to our power,' he said.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Still room for frontline community protections in Gov. Shapiro's 'Lightning' energy plan
Aerial shot of power plant and industrial buildings on the bank of the Allegheny River in Springdale, a town 18 miles north of Pittsburgh in Allegheny County. (Courtesy of Getty Images) On January 30, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced his 'Lightning Plan,' a comprehensive proposal meant to address Pennsylvania's energy future and promote a wide array of energy projects in the Commonwealth. Elements of the plan were reflected in Shapiro's proposed 2025-2026 budget, released in February, and are discussed in EHP's new white paper: 'Pennsylvania's Shale Gas Boom: What the Shapiro Administration Can Do to Better Protect Public Health.' The 'Lightning Plan' proposes an 'all of the above' approach to securing Pennsylvania's energy future, parts of which may benefit the health of Pennsylvanians. Climate emissions reductions, faster approval and tax credits for renewable energy projects, and standards that incentivize the next generation of energy will all help to improve public health. The plan also calls for rebates and incentives for consumers to buy new energy efficient appliances and other goods that reduce energy use. Energy efficiency is always a good approach – the cheapest, cleanest, and healthiest kilowatt-hour is the one not used. We applaud any steps that will support a just transition to a renewable energy economy and support jobs for the Commonwealth. Other components of the Lightning Plan, however, fall short in protecting public health. As in the past, the Shapiro Administration continues to define 'clean energy' broadly to include fossil fuels, such as shale gas. Shale gas is used as feedstock in certain hydrogen, petrochemical, and aviation fuel plants operating or proposed in Western Pennsylvania and other areas of the state. The incentives in Shapiro's plan give these industrial complexes the ability to add to Pennsylvania's existing pollution problems. When it comes to energy, there must be a reckoning with how we define 'clean.' Because of what we know about pervasive infrastructure leaks and climate risks associated with unburned methane, any claim that fracked gas is a realistic climate solution is patently false. Pollution from shale gas operations hastens climate change, producing more devastating storms, floods, heatwaves, fires, and insect-borne diseases – putting public health at risk for all Pennsylvanians and, indeed, for people across the globe. Meanwhile, families who live in proximity to the vast network of gas wells, processing plants, compressor stations, pipelines, storage facilities, petrochemical operations, and other infrastructure continue to be exposed to pollution that raises the risk of health harms. Research shows associations between shale gas development and an array of health impacts, including poor birth outcomes, asthma exacerbation, heart failure and high blood pressure, stress and mental health issues, and cancer. At least one study also suggests that continued shale gas development has weakened, rather than strengthened, the local economy and contributed to reductions in population and jobs. Furthermore, there has historically been little to no meaningful government engagement with communities when making decisions about the infrastructure they will host, even though their residents will bear the brunt of those decisions in the form of adverse health impacts. Ultimately there needs to be consideration for public health ramifications with any of these proposed energy actions. A major part of that consideration must be meaningful engagement with the communities hosting energy infrastructure to ensure equity in decision-making processes and to prioritize public health in places where it is most at risk. For years, frontline residents have had little to no say in the construction of shale gas facilities in their communities – including where, how, or if it happens. In response to their concerns, they have received, at best, iterations of greenwashed lip service, most recently with CNX's 'Radical Transparency' initiative. The Shapiro Administration must also take the lead in promoting a just transition to renewable energy. With its strong roots in manufacturing, its expertise in technology and medical research, and an existing workforce that is energy-oriented, Pennsylvania has what it takes to become a renewable energy leader, creating sustainable jobs, reducing health impacts and health care costs, and saving lives. Gov. Shapiro has an opportunity to show courageous leadership in a way none of his predecessors have since the beginning of the shale gas boom: by meaningfully engaging with nearby communities any time energy infrastructure is proposed and by making sure that 'clean' means 'safe' for the vast majority of Pennsylvanians. Alison L. Steele is executive director of the Environmental Health Project (EHP), a nonpartisan nonprofit organization headquartered in Pittsburgh that defends public health in the face of shale gas development. EHP provides frontline communities with timely monitoring, interpretation, and guidance while engaging diverse stakeholders: health professionals, researchers, community organizers, public servants, and others. *This commentary was updated at 2:04.*
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Farmers talk future energy plans, challenges in Pennsylvania
WILLIAMSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Governor Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) visited a local farm to discuss his energy plan for the state and how farmers are continuing to play a key role in Pennsylvania being a national energy leader. Penn England Farms in Williamsburg uses a methane digester to power their farm. They've used it for over 19 years. 'In that time, we've made over a million and a half dollars worth of electricity,' said Ben Postles, an employee at the farm. 'There's an income and stream to the farm because of the digester.' The digester works by activating the bacteria in manure to produce methane. The methane is run through a generator to make electricity. St. Francis alumni shocked over athletics decision to move to Division III Gov. Shapiro applauds the energy effort and said it is a key component of his newly proposed energy plan for the state, known as the Lightning Plan. 'I think it's time to go to the next level and that is to make sure that we are generating more power all across Pennsylvania with methane digesters and giving farmers the opportunity to band together to be able to create this energy opportunity,' Gov. Shapiro said. Postles said the use of methane digesters ultimately goes beyond just generating revenue for farms and will benefit the entire community. 'It does help cut down on the odor of the manure, which which helps with community relations. You know, keeping our neighbors happy,' Postles said. It does change the manure a little bit that it makes it in a form that the crops can take it up quicker so there's an agronomic benefit that it's readily available for our crops once we apply it for fertilizer.' Gov. Shapiro hopes the plan will create jobs, lower costs for consumers and protect Pa. from energy instability by incentivizing different industries to create alternative energy projects in the state. In January, Pittsburgh International Airport broke ground for a $1.5 billion proposed partnership between Keystate Energy and CNX Resources aimed at accelerating hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel production. The Lightning Plan is currently in the hands of the state legislature awaiting approval. But other farmers, like Karen Wilson of Blue Barn Farms, also in Williamsburg, said already existing federal efforts have left some farmers in a pinch. In December, Wilson installed 32 solar panels at her farm which were supposed to be reimbursed through a Rural Energy for America Program grant through the United States Department of Agriculture. 'We applied for the reimbursement on Jan. 23, but at that point, about right near that point, they shut everything down. So we didn't get a reimbursement,' Wilson said. 'There's a lot of farmers in the same boat that we are.' Wilson said she is waiting on thousands of dollars promised to her through the grant program. 'We're at $16,000 right now which really hurts us. I had already ordered all of the seeds and fertilizers and everything like that. Right now, my help is not getting the raise that I was going to give them,' Wilson said. Wilson is hopeful that money will come through soon. The cost of the panels is difficult for the small operation to absorb and the panels are too new for the farm to have turned a profit from surplus energy generation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gov. Shapiro ready to invest in wind, solar, hydro power for energy future
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) – Governor Shapiro was at Voith Hydro Tuesday afternoon discussing Pennsylvania's energy future, or as he likes to call it, the Lightning Plan. 'We determined working together that we're powerful enough to run our system, to be able to lower costs, protect and create jobs, and take meaningful action to address climate change,' Gov. Shapiro said. Along with that is building next generation power in the commonwealth, which includes wind, solar and hydro power. Natural gas industry experts such as Jim Welty, the president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition – a statewide trade association representing the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania, aren't digging the governor's plan. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'You can't run a full-time economy on part-time power,' Welty said. Welty believes there is plenty of untapped potential underneath Pennsylvanians' feet. 'We sit on top of one of the largest natural gas basins in the world,' Welty said. 'We aren't having any conversation about how to include private investment into natural gas generation.' York County live music venue announces upcoming closure Legislation for the Lightning Plan will be pitched next week. Democratic state representative Danielle Friel Otten (Chester Co.) will sponsor one of the bills involved. 'We must act now to increase and diversify our energy supply to meet that demand, or Pennsylvania consumers and ratepayers will soon be forced to bear the substantive cost of our inaction,' Friel Otten said. More natural gas investment dollars are going to states like Ohio and West Virginia according to Welty, as Pennsylvania isn't investing in-state like it used to. 'We've seen over $15 billion of private capital investment up into the pandemic in natural gas generation facilities,' Welty said. 'We've seen almost $0 since then.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
