Nuclear Powers Pennsylvania Hails Decision by Gov. Tom Wolf to Enter Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative

Governor’s Actions Show PA is Serious About Reducing Carbon Emissions and
Valuing Carbon-Free Sources Like Nuclear Energy

HARRISBURG, PA – Leaders of Nuclear Powers Pennsylvania today applaud Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf for his decision to have Pennsylvania enter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Gov. Wolf signed an Executive Order at the state Capitol this morning. RGGI is the first market-based program in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Pennsylvania joins Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia to cap and reduce CO2 emissions from the power sector.

“Members of our statewide coalition thank Gov. Wolf for his leadership on this critical issue,” said Tony Robinson, Senior Vice President, Framatome Inc. and NPP member. “Pennsylvania is the fourth-largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions in the nation, so joining RGGI is a logical and commendable step for Pennsylvania. We further believe this has great potential to properly value the carbon-free benefits of nuclear energy in the Commonwealth and could perhaps be part of the solution that would prevent the premature closure of the Beaver Valley Power Station now scheduled for 2021.”  

Robinson noted this isn’t the first time Gov. Wolf has led on this issue. In April, Gov. Wolf announced Pennsylvania’s membership in the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 24 governors working to implement climate solutions and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

According to the 2018 bipartisan and bicameral Nuclear Energy Caucus report, Pennsylvania has made headway in reducing its carbon dioxide emissions. However, it found that nuclear plant closures are devastating to greenhouse gas goals. Closures more than negate the emission benefits from switching from coal to natural gas, thereby erasing the emissions benefits of state investments in wind and solar. If it were not for its nuclear power plants, Pennsylvania’s carbon dioxide emissions would be an estimated 37 million metric tons higher each year – the equivalent of every registered vehicle on Pennsylvania’s roadways today. 

About Nuclear Powers Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s nuclear energy industry provides millions of families and businesses with safe, reliable and carbon-free electricity. Nuclear Powers Pennsylvania is a statewide coalition that works to educate all Pennsylvanians about the economic and environmental benefits of nuclear energy and the industry’s positive impact on local communities throughout the Keystone State. 

Learn more at www.NuclearPowersPennsylvania.com. Follow NPP on Twitter @NuclearPowersPA.