Members of the House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee held a hearing on May 19 to discuss proposed legislation that would enact the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standards (PRESS).
Ahead of the hearing, PEC submitted the following comments in support of PRESS.
Dear Representatives:
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) would like to express our support for House Bill 501 (P.N. 1478) and convey our appreciation to the Committee for holding a hearing on this important legislation.
PEC was fortunate to provide testimony to the Committee last session on this bill, and we believe the minor changes made with reintroduction strengthen the legislation. We thank the prime sponsor, Representative Otten, and the Shapiro Administration for their work.
Since the Committee hearing last June, concerns about energy reliability and affordability have only increased. This circumstance underscores our position that failure to adopt new, forward-looking policies is stranding consumers and hampering economic growth in the Commonwealth.
House Bill 501 – which would enact the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standards (PRESS) – is a cornerstone of the larger constellation of policies that will be required, including other legislation implementing the Governor’s Lightning Plan. Other measures, like advanced transmission technologies as well as low-carbon procurement and clean energy manufacturing incentives, are also essential.
PRESS builds on existing policy – the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) – that has been in place for two decades; one that all requisite players are familiar with and can adapt to. Best of all, it incorporates a technology inclusive and flexible design that works for Pennsylvania.
PEC has long advocated for expansion of the AEPS into a broader clean energy standard that values cost-effective low and zero emitting energy resources. PRESS accomplishes this. It will help ensure that electricity generated in Pennsylvania is cleaner, more diverse and affordable, and ready to meet business and other states’ clean energy requirements. It will spur in-state investment in energy technologies and generation build, increasing tax bases and job growth. All of this on top of helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are still accelerating extreme weather events and adverse economic impacts across our state.
The energy transition presents an opportunity to expand our economy and improve our environment. But it requires action. Pennsylvania cannot afford to wait any longer.
We urge you to support House Bill 501.
Thank you for your consideration,
John Walliser
Senior Vice President, Legal & Government Affairs
Pennsylvania Environmental Council