RGGI was never a good fit for Pennsylvania

Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 7:21 pm

Pennsylvania Exits Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Citing Economic Concerns

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania is withdrawing from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a move that has sparked both praise and criticism. The decision, finalized in a recent budget agreement, marks a significant shift in the state's energy policy.

Governor Shapiro, speaking at a press conference, emphasized the move's potential to create jobs in the energy sector, increase clean energy on the grid, and lower energy costs for residents. He framed the exit as a way to move forward with new energy policies. Shapiro inherited the RGGI initiative from his predecessor, Governor Tom Wolf, whose 2019 order to join the program faced legal challenges.

The decision has been met with mixed reactions. Republicans, including Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, have welcomed the move, citing concerns about electricity rates. Business leaders, such as Luke Bernstein of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, have also expressed support, highlighting the benefits for energy development and investment.

However, environmental groups, like Evergreen Action, have voiced disappointment, criticizing the decision as a concession to Republican opposition.

The RGGI program, which includes several other states, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector. A recent study from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory indicated that states within RGGI have experienced higher electricity prices compared to Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's energy sector is a significant employer, with over 273,000 workers across various fields, including electric power generation, fuels, and energy efficiency. The state's energy sector accounts for nearly 5% of total state employment.

BNN's Perspective:

The decision to withdraw from RGGI reflects a complex balancing act between environmental goals and economic realities. While the move may disappoint some environmental advocates, it appears to prioritize the state's energy industry and potentially lower energy costs for residents. This pragmatic approach, focusing on job creation and energy affordability, could prove beneficial for Pennsylvania's economy.

Keywords: Pennsylvania, RGGI, energy, economy, jobs, Shapiro, electricity prices, clean energy, Republicans, budget, climate change, energy sector

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