Tom Wolf will go down as the worst governor in Pennsylvania history. Yesterday the Democrat, along with a number of Senate and House Democrats (and a few Philadelphia RINOs, just so they can claim “bipartisanship”), announced updated changes to the state’s so-called “climate” plan (full copy below), changes that will doom the state economically.
Among other things, Wolf & co. plan to implement a cap-and-trade plan to control every aspect of Pennsylvanian’s lives by controlling how much and where they get energy from. Not Russia. Not North Korea. Not China. Pennsylvania. Wolf & co. plans to require at least 30% of all electricity in the state be generated by solar and wind by 2030–just 11 years from now–hobbling the state’s budding natgas-fired electric sector. It’s insane.
Wolf & co. want to bail out failing nuclear plants, saddling rate payers with unbelievably high electric bills, just like Wolf has saddled the state with an unbelievably high gasoline tax. Those of you living in PA know what we’re talking about. We have friends and family who now routinely travel from PA into NY, one of the highest taxed states in the union, to buy their gasoline more cheaply here! Do our Pennsylvania friends really want Wolf to do to the electric bill what he’s done to the gasoline bill?
Wolf is committing PA to join 23 other states who are just as insane by adopting the provisions in the Paris Climate Accord, a framework that compromises our national sovereignty and was intended to be an elaborate shakedown, stealing American taxpayers’ money and redistributing it around the world (see Three Cheers! Trump Pulls U.S. Out of Horrible Paris Climate Treaty). Yeah, that uber-stupid accord–that’s what Wolf wants the state to adopt as its own.
Supposedly 195 countries have adopted the Paris Accord. Only the U.S. and two other countries (Nicaragua and Syria) have not. Here’s the thing. Since Paris was signed, the amount of so-called greenhouse gases emitted by those 195 countries has gone up! Here in the U.S., the one country not part of the Accord, GHG emissions have gone DOWN. Why? Because we use fossil fuels like natural gas extracted from PA. Yet Gov. Wolf in his “wisdom” wants to reverse that progress! There’s no fixing stupid.
Even PA State Sen. Gene Yaw (moderate Republican) sees the stupidity of Wolf’s “new” plan and says Wolf’s plan “does not clearly define any benefits to be achieved and delivered to the citizens of Pennsylvania if these recommendations are implemented.”
The best coverage of the news about Wolf’s updated/changed climate plan comes from the PA Environment Digest Blog, which happens to love Wolf and his plan:
On April 29, Gov. Tom Wolf was joined by Senate and House lawmakers to announce an update to the state’s Climate Action Plan and that the state will join with 24 other governors in the U.S. Climate Alliance to uphold commitments of the international Paris Climate Agreement.
Gov. Wolf specifically endorsed Senate Bill 600 (Santarsiero-D-Bucks,Killion-R- Delaware, Haywood-D-Philadelphia) and House Bill 1095 (McCarter-D-Montgomery, Carolyn Comitta-D-Chester) [to be introduced shortly] that would amend the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to mandate 30 percent of Pennsylvania’s electricity to be purchased from traditional alternative energy sources like wind and solar energy by 2030.
The final PA Climate Action Plan Update developed by DEP includes a goal of reducing overall greenhouse gas emission by 26 percent by 2025 from 2005 levels and an 80 percent net reduction by 2050.
These targets are in line with the goals established in the 2015 U.N. Paris Climate Agreement and are the same goals included in an executive order issued by Gov. Wolf in January on greenhouse gas reductions.
The plan describes over 100 actions, 15 of which DEP and partners analyzed quantitatively for potential greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
The analysis showed that just those 15 actions, such as increasing renewable energy, incentivizing energy efficient buildings, and increasing the use of electric vehicles, would reduce emissions 21 percent by 2025.
Any combination of the 85 additional actions would likely achieve even more emissions reductions.
The Plan Update specifically endorses–
— Cap-And-Trade: Adopting a electricity sector cap-and-trade-program to limit greenhouse gas emissions [the pending cap-and-trade petition at the Environmental Quality Board covers all sectors];
— Keep Nuclear Plants Open: Implement policy to maintain nuclear generation at current levels [outlines several options, including a zero emission credit program, adding nuclear power into the AEPS];
— Increase Traditional Wind/Solar: Increase the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard Tier 1 targets and further increase in-state generation and use of renewables.
In addition, the Plan Update recommends–
— Increase end use energy conservation and efficiency–
— Update building codes
— Increase adoption of energy efficiency and expand Act 129
— Create an Act 129-like efficiency program for natural gas
— Expand energy assessments and provide training on energy efficiency— Implement sustainable transportation planning and practices–
— Reduce vehicle miles traveled for single-occupancy vehicles
— Implement a strategic plan and incentives for increasing electric vehicle use
— Increase the use of clean public transportation through electric municipal bus fleets— Increase use of clean, distributed electricity generation resources–
— Invest in and promote building-scale solar
— Incentivize and increase use of combined heat and power (CHP)— Reduce upstream impacts of fossil fuel energy production–
— Implement policies and practices to reduce methane emissions across oil and natural gas systems— Increase production and use of alternative fuels–
— Increase recovery and use of gas from coal mines, agriculture, wastewater, and landfills for energy— Use agricultural best practices—
— Implement and provide training for no-till farming practices.“We’ve seen lately even more evidence that there is a need for leadership on climate change. For that reason, Pennsylvania will join the U.S. Climate Alliance, a bipartisan coalition of 24 governors, representing over half of the U.S. population to work to implement policies that uphold the commitments our nation made in the Paris Agreement,” said Gov. Wolf. “With the federal government turning its back on science and the environment, I am proud to join with states that are leading the way towards new climate solutions, and taking concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. States like Pennsylvania must take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect our communities, economies, infrastructures, and environments from the risks of a warming climate.”
The United States Climate Alliance is a bipartisan coalition of governors committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Led by state governments, the alliance facilitates state cooperation to accelerate the deployment of climate solutions to help each state achieve its climate goals.
“I applaud the efforts of the governor and his administration to address the impacts of climate change in the commonwealth head on,” said Rep. Steve McCarter (D-Montgomery), Chair of the bipartisan House/Senate Climate Caucus. “The Pennsylvania Climate Caucus stands ready to help in any way to advance policy and legislation to meet what is surely humanity’s greatest challenge here in Pennsylvania and across the globe.”
“When future generations of Pennsylvanians look back at this critical moment in history, I want them to know they were not abandoned,” Sen. Steven Santarsiero (D-Bucks) said. “Entering into the U.S. Climate Alliance and implementing the Climate Action Plan sends a clear message that Pennsylvania is serious about addressing climate change.”
In January 2019, Gov. Wolf signed an executive order to set Pennsylvania’s first statewide climate goals, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050, compared with 2005 levels.
The executive order also established the Green Government Council to ensure that state government offices lead by example to help achieve these goals.More On Plan Update
The Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan 2018 is the new state climate plan developed by DEP and state agency partners with recommendations for government leaders, businesses, and citizens to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate.
“Perhaps the biggest recommendation of the Climate Action Plan is that a team effort is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Government leaders must lead by example, and businesses, farms, community organizations, and citizens can all make a difference to fight climate change.”
“Trees and forests play an important role absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “We’re leading the way to a more resilient and sustainable Pennsylvania by managing forests in new ways, reforesting abandoned mine lands, and planting stream buffers to increase carbon storage.”
Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan 2018 marks 10 years since state law first required the DEP to develop a climate plan and periodic updates. It’s the third update to the first plan, which was published in 2009.
The Climate Caucus is a bipartisan discussion forum for legislators from both chambers and both sides of the aisle to address all manner of issues relating to climate change in Pennsylvania, including jobs, industry, manufacturing, clean air, clean water, specific regional impacts, and others.
Reaction
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, statement on the Governor’s climate announcement–
“While the Action Plan released today includes many sweeping new recommendations, we need to be pragmatic.
“Markets move and markets fluctuate, and I believe Pennsylvania is at the forefront of clean energy technology that is already reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the board. Reports have indicated that emissions levels are at their lowest levels since 1992.
“I don’t believe that mandating nearly 90% of Pennsylvania’s competitive energy market or more is a step in the right direction.
“The plan released today does not clearly define any benefits to be achieved and delivered to the citizens of Pennsylvania if these recommendations are implemented. Further, the plan does not come close to meeting the reductions the Department says are necessary if adopted.”
The Clean Power PA Coalition issued the following statement in response to the climate announcements:
“We are pleased by Gov. Wolf’s decision to join the U.S. Climate Alliance, as it represents an important symbol of Pennsylvania’s commitment to comprehensive climate change solutions.
“This is the third in a series of commitments Governor Wolf has made on climate action, including his Executive Order earlier this year setting the first-ever carbon emission reduction goals for the state and his addition of Pennsylvania to the Transportation Climate Initiative in late 2018. We are heartened by Gov. Wolf’s continued steps toward tackling climate change for Pennsylvania families now and for future generations.
“It is also imperative that we continually advance the work set forth in Pennsylvania’s Climate Action Plan. We commend Secretary McDonnell and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for this commitment to reduce the pollution driving climate change and its serious impacts across the commonwealth.
“We still need action from the executive branch and especially our elected officials in the Pennsylvania General Assembly to advance policies that will significantly scale up the deployment of renewable energy as well as set a declining, enforceable limit on carbon pollution from power plants.
“Both steps are necessary elements of a comprehensive solution to tackle climate change and will benefit Pennsylvanians by building a clean energy future that protects public health, powers a strong economy focused on renewable energy and ensures a resilient environment.
“Our coalition supports Senate Bill 600 and House Bill 1195, legislation that will modernize Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) by increasing the Tier I target for renewable energy such as wind and solar to 30 percent by 2030. We also support the development of legislation or regulation that would set enforceable and declining limits on carbon pollution and urge immediate action to move forward on such a policy.
“Scientists tell us we have a small window of time left in order to prevent the most catastrophic impacts of climate change beyond the dangerous impacts we are already experiencing.
“With leadership from Gov. Wolf and the General Assembly, we can build on the strong commitments that have already been made and couple them with equally strong policies that will create jobs and keep our families healthy.”
Andrew Williams, Director of Regulatory and Legislative Affairs, Environmental Defense Fund issued this statement–
“The Climate Action Plan unveiled today by Gov. Wolf presents Pennsylvania with the opportunity to take meaningful climate action while protecting Pennsylvania communities and preserving a healthy economy. The biggest area of opportunity is aggressively limiting carbon emissions from the power sector. Power sector limits coupled with direct regulation of methane emissions are the 1-2 punch in the fight against climate change that, if implemented, can put Pennsylvania on the road to success.”
Mark Szybist, Natural Resources Defense Council, issue this statement on the announcement–
“By joining the Climate Alliance, Governor Wolf is assuming the mantle of leadership to fight climate change and ensure Pennsylvania is part of the solution.
“Following the Governor’s recent Executive Order setting goals for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, membership in the Alliance creates momentum for real climate progress in Pennsylvania.
“We look forward to strong actions from the executive branch and our leaders in the Pennsylvania General Assembly to scale-up clean energy, establish an enforceable, declining limit on carbon pollution and put people to work while building a clean energy future that benefits all Pennsylvanians.” (1)
Here’s how the left-leaning Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports the news:
Pennsylvania, one of the nation’s largest fossil fuel producers, became the 24th state to join the U.S. Climate Alliance on Monday, committing to work toward cutting greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement despite the Trump administration’s intent to quit the international climate pact.
Gov. Tom Wolf made the announcement at the same time that the state released its newest road map for combating and adapting to climate change. The 230-page document sets a goal for cutting carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping emissions 26 percent by 2025 and 80 percent by 2050, using 2005 as a baseline.
No other state in the bipartisan climate alliance produces as much natural gas, coal and electricity as Pennsylvania, a top three producer of each of those forms of energy.
The new climate action plan envisions dramatic shifts toward lower-carbon methods of powering Pennsylvania’s homes, vehicles and businesses, with a phase-out of most of the state’s coal-fired power plants by 2050.
It includes more than 100 actions that governments, businesses and individuals can take to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.
Still, the 15 “most practical and impactful” strategies that are measured in the report would cut the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 21 percent by 2025 and 36 percent by 2050 — falling well short of the state’s longterm goal. Those strategies include making buildings more energy efficient, transitioning to electric vehicles and getting more electricity from wind and solar.
“I know that change can be difficult and that as a major energy-producing state, the challenges facing Pennsylvania in addressing this threat are indeed significant,” Mr. Wolf said during a press conference in Harrisburg.
He endorsed bills introduced in the state House and Senate on Monday that call for renewable energy sources to supply 30 percent of the state’s electricity needs by 2030. The target under current law is 8 percent by 2021.
The action plan also calls for implementing policies to keep the Three Mile Island and Beaver Valley nuclear plants from closing in 2019 and 2021, but Mr. Wolf would not say whether he supports hotly debated bills in the Legislature designed to rescue the nuclear plants by paying them for producing carbon-free power.
Right now, Pennsylvania’s five nuclear plants generate 93 percent of the state’s carbon-free energy, dwarfing the combined contributions of wind, solar and hydropower.
If passed, the nuclear subsidy proposals could cost electricity ratepayers $500 million a year.
“I am part of the conversations and I will continue to be,” Mr. Wolf said.
Pennsylvania’s greenhouse gas emissions already declined 12 percent between 2005 and 2015 as energy efficiency improved and natural gas began to displace coal as a power plant fuel.
In a letter attached to the report, six members of the state’s climate change advisory committee who work for the coal, gas and agriculture industries criticized the plan for not giving enough attention to the emissions reductions that the state and nation have already achieved.
They also objected to the figure that the plan uses to estimate the “social cost of carbon,” a measure of the economic harm caused by climate change.
If the plan had adopted the significantly lower social cost of carbon recommended by the Trump administration, it would have undermined the cost-benefit calculation of “most if not all of the recommendations” in the plan, they wrote.
The report’s economic analysis found that, together, the 15 measured strategies would have a positive effect — increasing disposable personal income and gross state product and creating about 40,000 jobs by 2050.
The report also paints a dire picture of a warmer planet in which “extreme weather and catastrophic natural disasters” are already becoming more frequent and intense.
“Climate change is the most critical environmental threat confronting the world,” Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell said. “Solutions to a crisis of this magnitude require all Pennsylvanians to work together and do their part.” (2)
Bloody insane. That’s all we can say.
Here’s the newly updated version of this collective insanity:
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(1) PA Environment Digest Blog (Apr 29, 2019) – Gov. Wolf, Legislators Announce New Climate Action Plan, Including Endorsing Cap-And-Trade For Power Generation, Keeping Nuclear Power Plants Open
(2) Pittsburgh (PA) Post-Gazette (Apr 29, 2019) – Pennsylvania joins climate coalition and releases carbon-cutting plan
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