Dauphin News

Senator Camera Bartolotta has expressed approval for the Senate's decision to pass a bill that repeals Pennsylvania's involvement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) provided an analysis indicating that RGGI could significantly increase electricity costs and negatively impact energy and manufacturing jobs, potentially leading to the closure of power plants in Pennsylvania.

The newly passed Senate Bill 186 aims to ensure that any future electricity taxes or emissions programs are subject to legislative approval rather than being enacted solely by the executive branch. According to Bartolotta, "Today’s vote advances critical legislation to shield Pennsylvanians from being strong-armed into an unlawful electricity tax that will affect families across the state."

Bartolotta criticized Governor Josh Shapiro following his recent budget address, suggesting he is not adequately considering taxpayers' financial burdens. She stated, "However, my colleagues and I will continue to defend them and their wallets."

Despite facing opposition from the General Assembly, both the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Quality Board have moved forward with regulations aimed at establishing a CO₂ Budget Trading Program. This initiative effectively imposes a tax on electricity generation.

In 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled against implementing RGGI without legislative consent, identifying it as a tax. However, Governor Shapiro has chosen to appeal this ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. This ongoing legal process has created uncertainty for workers and businesses regarding energy grid reliability and affordability.

The bill now proceeds to the House of Representatives for further consideration.