Asking for net zero emissions by 2052
Over a hundred and sixty environmental groups and activists are petitioning Pennsylvania’s Department of the Environment to establish a cap and trade program that would reduce and ultimately eliminate emissions in the state. If The governor accepts the petition and the Environmental Quality Board at DEP approves it, the program could impact many small businesses.
Some of the businesses that would be affected include those producing cement, glass, paper, as well as certain metals and gasses. Energy producers and some energy storage facilities will be impacted if they handle petroleum, electricity, coal, and natural gas. For more detail on the petition which was initially filed in November, click here for an article in Environmental Digest.
The proposed cap and trade program would require certain industries to purchase emission allowances through an auction. The proposal would cap greenhouse gas emissions, and the allowable emissions decline each year until the state reaches net zero emissions by 2052 and is modeled after a California program. If the proposal moves forward at DEP, there will be a comment period scheduled.
The Wolf Administration has already proposed a very similar cap and trade program.
