Philadelphia – March 13, 2019 – State Senator Art Haywood (D-Montgomery/Philadelphia) made the following statement after the introduction of a co-sponsorship memorandum addressing bi-partisan legislation to increase clean energy with Senators Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) and Tom Killion (R-Chester/Delaware):
“The impacts of climate change are already a reality in the United States and Pennsylvania in the form of flooding, drought, heat waves, more frequent and intense wildfires, and an increase in severe storms. To lessen the impacts of climate change, states and communities around the country are implementing regulations to increase clean energy and decease oil, gas and coal consumption.
Our legislation would update the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act (AEPS) to lay the groundwork for Pennsylvania’s transition to renewable electricity by:
- Increasing the clean energy electricity purchase requirements from 8% to 30% by 2030, including 10% for in-state solar generation;
- Directing the Public Utilities Commission to study the benefits of a renewable energy storage program; and
- Providing for several protections that control costs for electricity customers.
It is long overdue for Pennsylvania to implement stronger clean energy goals to create good jobs, cut pollution, and ensure we are a sustainable and prosperous state for the future of everyone.”
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