An op-ed published Feb. 9 neglected to mention why the United States leads the world in emissions reductions. It also fails to mention the costs of burdensome government mandates and mischaracterized recent legislative proposals.
First, Pennsylvania’s embracement of competitive markets has resulted in the second-largest reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the power generation space among any state since 2005. Every year, the private sector is deploying billions of dollars into low-and zero-carbon energy technology. The only other state to reduce its emissions more than us is Ohio, also a competitive power market. In effect, empowering businesses and individuals to choose the energy resource that makes the best sense for them will result in faster and more cost-effective environmental progress than government mandates or energy use bans.
Second, S.B. 275 and H.B. 1947 ensure consumers continue to have energy choice options. Property owners will have access to install the energy resource that fits their needs – whether a high-efficiency natural gas appliance, rooftop solar, battery storage, or some future innovation yet to be deployed at scale.
Finally, according to an American Gas Association Study conducted by ICF, banning natural gas use in homes – the primary source of heating for half of Pennsylvanians – would increase households’ annual costs by nearly 50 percent while only reducing overall emissions by 1 percent. Such a mandate also would add as much as $15,000 to the cost of building a new home, pushing the American dream further out of reach for young families.
Inflation is eroding the paychecks of Pennsylvania families, hurting low-income families the most. Innovation and competitive markets – not costly government red tape – are more effective approaches to energy policy. Senate Bill 275 and H.B. 1947 deserve support, and the PA Chamber of Business and Industry urges their enactment this year.
Kevin Sunday is the Director of Government Affairs for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry.
Author: PennLive Letters to the EditorPublication: Penn Live
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