Pledges to Continue the Fight in the Legislature
Harrisburg, Pa. − October 3, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. applauded Governor Tom Wolf’s move today to instruct the PA Department of Environmental Protection to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
RGGI is a market-based collaboration among nine Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change while generating economic growth.
“Today’s executive order is a strong display of leadership from the Governor on one of the most serious issues facing Pennsylvania, this nation, and the world,” said Senator Costa. “Leadership from the federal government is not coming on climate change, and we can’t afford to wait.”
“I introduced Senate Bill 15 as a legislative option for Pennsylvania to join RGGI, and I’ll continue to push for that,” Senator Costa continued. “I stand with Governor Wolf and all champions for clean air as we work together to find creative, forward-thinking solutions for Pennsylvania.”
RGGI states set a cap on total CO2 emissions from electric power generators in their states. The program is often referred to as “Cap and Trade,” or “Cap and Invest.”
The states currently in RGGI (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont) have reduced power sector CO2 pollution by 45 percent since 2005, while the region’s per-capita GDP has continued to grow.
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Pittsburgh, PA− September 17, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced more than $1 million in state grants that will come to the 43rd senatorial district for greenway and recreational projects, including ones in Swissvale, West Homestead and the South side.
“Our region is a beautiful place to work and live, with many opportunities for outdoor recreation. I was proud to fight for these projects at the state level because I know they will make the Mon Valley and the rest of our district even better,” said Senator Costa. “As these projects continue, I look forward to seeing my friends and neighbors out on the trails and in our many public parks.”
The Borough of Swissvale will receive $115,000 for improvements to the Carrie Furnace Access Trail and Trailhead; the Borough of West Homestead will receive $34,000 to continue work on its Riverfront Park plan; and the City of Pittsburgh will $97,537 for trail renovations in South Side Park.
Also in the 43rd Senatorial District, Oakmont Borough will receive $200,000 for development of the Chateau Beach Park, and an additional $139,358 to rehabilitate Riverside park Track; Wilkins Township will receive $30,489 for rehabilitation of Eastmont Park; Penn Hills will get $104,410 for park improvements; and the Borough of Verona will undertake a project at Cribbs Field Pavilion with $200,000.
The total amount in grants today awarded to the district is $1,020,794.
The funds come from Act 12 of 2012, which established the Marcellus Legacy Fund and allocates funds to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects using the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program.
For more information on the program and application guidelines, visit https://dced.pa.gov/programs/greenways-trails-and-recreation-program-gtrp/
