Harrisburg, Pa − October 22, 2019 − A bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators along with advocates and utility providers came together in Harrisburg today to announce plans for a local solar program.
“In my district, I have seen a huge spike in folks interested in reducing their carbon footprint and making their homes more energy efficient, but sometimes – cost gets in their way,” said Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. “It is great to work on an issue collaboratively with the opposite party and chamber, as well as the utility sector and environmental advocates. That’s the kind of support that the PA Local Solar Program has.”
The proposed program, PA Local Solar, would allow electric utilities in Pennsylvania to establish subscriber programs, by which electric customers could elect to purchase 100% localized solar energy, rather than the traditional grid mix. PA Local Solar provides citizens and businesses with the choice to participate in an off-site solar program, but does not mandate participation, nor require any state funding.
Represenative Lori Mizgorski has a companion bill in the House.
“I am excited to introduce House Bill 1970, which expands access to solar power in Pennsylvania,” said Mizgorski. “Solar energy is the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source available but is limited to the traditional grid mix. My legislation eliminates barriers and provides all customers with the opportunity to purchase solar energy from local solar projects, located right here in Pennsylvania. By providing all customers with the opportunity to choose solar power, we expand the reach of renewable energy into all communities.”
“Duquesne Light is proud to support the PA Local Solar Program, which will provide our customers with the option to choose 100% localized renewable energy, even if they do not have access to rooftop solar,” said Steve Malnight, Duquesne Light Company President and CEO. “The program will allow us to better serve the growing number of customers who want solar energy and expand the reach of renewable energy in the Greater Pittsburgh area.”
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Pittsburgh, Pa. − October 18, 2019 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Jr. today announced the award of a $750,000 state grant to go to the Library for the Blind & Physically Impaired in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system.
“Libraries are critical hubs of community; they provide more than books on loan, they offer a safe space to learn, meet, escape, plan and dream,” said Senator Costa. “As a life trustee on the board of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, I’ve seen this firsthand for years. I’m especially pleased that this major grant will be going to an accessible library so that all can enjoy the library, regardless of physical challenges.”
The funds come from the Keystone Grant program in the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will use their award to renovate 11,000 sf of public/staff spaces on 1st floor; reconfigure for accessibility, replace outdated systems; exterior renovations include relocating main entrance.
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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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