Citizens from PA, OH, WV show overwhelming support for EPA methane rule at public hearing

Concerned parents, public health advocates, faith leaders, students, and environmentalists from Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia applauded the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed rule to cut methane emissions from the oil and gas industry at a public hearing held by the agency in downtown Pittsburgh on September 29. Media outlets including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Harrisburg Patriot-News, Observer-Reporter (Washington County), and StateImpact PA covered the hearing.

Rob Altenburg, director of the PennFuture Energy 
Center, testifies at the EPA hearing alongside 
Energy Policy Analyst Jennie Demjanick

The agency's hearing in Pittsburgh was one of three held across the U.S., with the other two in Denver and Dallas the previous week. Citizens packed two hearing rooms at the William S. Moorhead Federal Building, where many spoke in support of the federal rule as they encouraged the administration of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf to do more to rein in these harmful emissions. Testifiers in support of the rule outnumbered those against, 92-2. Testimony by PennFuture Energy Center director, Rob Altenburg, can be found on our website.

The proposed rules seek to cut methane emissions 40 to 45 percent by 2025, from 2012 levels. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas – up to 84 times more so than CO2 in the first 20 years after its release into the atmosphere. The oil and gas sector is the largest industrial source of methane pollution in the nation. Methane emissions combine with toxic co-pollutants to form ground-level ozone, or smog, which leads to negative health impacts including asthma, lung and heart disease - illnesses that disproportionately affect children, the elderly, and under-served populations.

“The EPA's proposed methane rules are a good first step but Pennsylvania can and must do more to reduce this harmful pollution,” said Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of PennFuture. “Pennsylvania needs to adopt its own best-in-the-nation standards to cover both new and existing sources of emissions from the thousands of oil and gas wells in our state. We should use this momentum to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon, clean energy future – our children's futures depend on it.”

PennFuture CEO Larry Schweiger testifies at EPA hearing

“Strong rules that mandate a reduction in methane will mitigate climate change and help improve air quality and public health,” said Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., executive director of Clean Air Council. “EPA’s efforts are a good first step that will provide a backstop to safeguard public health and clean our air using technologies that already exist. At the same time, the rules will not tackle the thousands of tons of methane pollution currently leaking from Pennsylvania’s expansive gas industry because they will only apply to new or modified gas facilities while expecting voluntary cooperation from operators of existing sources. Pennsylvania needs to act quickly to address both new sources of methane pollution as well as existing natural gas infrastructure. As the second-largest natural gas producing state in the nation, we will accept nothing less.”

“As a registered nurse and health care professional, the EPA's proposed methane rules will aid in primary prevention to reduce asthma and other respiratory illnesses which are exacerbated by harmful methane emissions and their toxic co-pollutants,” said Dr. Peggy Berry, PhD., MSN, RN. “The fight for improved health is one we are waging actively in my state, Ohio, and throughout the region and country. It's time for the oil and gas industry to clean up its act and stop jeopardizing the health and welfare of our communities and landscapes. As registered nurses and health care professionals, we thank the EPA for taking this step in the right direction.”

Sr. Donna Zwigart speaks at #CutMethane rally

"Our leaders must continue the transition to truly clean, renewable energy that is already taking place,” said Sr. Donna Zwigart of the Sisters of St. Francis. “In the meantime, a strong, unwavering commitment from Gov. Tom Wolf and our elected leaders including Sen. Bob Casey to forcefully tackle both carbon and methane pollution is the kind of action that will show Pope Francis that Pennsylvania means business and will lead the fight against climate change.”

"The youth across the nation and world are addressing our governments and leaders – now, loudly,” said Sage Lincoln, student activist at the University of Pittsburgh. “You cannot leave us gasping for breath amid polluted air. You cannot let our fears become reality. The time to act in Pennsylvania, and nationally, is now. As we support the EPA's methane rules, the youth ask Gov. Tom Wolf to lead in Pennsylvania with the strongest state methane rules possible. It is OUR future that is in the hands of our leaders and they must not delay.”

The EPA will be accepting public comment on the proposed methane rule through November 18.

Elaine Labalme is strategic campaigns director for PennFuture and is based in Pittsburgh. She tweets @NewGirlInTown.

EPA Clean Power Plan final rule: Reactions from PA on this historic event.

On Monday, August 3, 2015, President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency announced the centerpiece of the administration’s strategy to combat climate change -- the Clean Power Plan. The final Clean Power Plan rule establishes the first-ever limit on carbon pollution from existing power plants in the U.S. 

The Clean Power Plan will:

• Cut carbon pollution by 32 percent by 2030 (below 2005 levels);
• Provide up to $45 billion in climate and public health benefits;
• Prevent up to 3,600 premature deaths, up to 90,000 asthma attacks in children, and up to 300,000 missed work and school days;
• And create 5,100 Pennsylvania jobs according to an analysis by the National Resources Defense Council.

Adjusted figures above reflect changes from preliminary versions of the rule.

In Pennsylvania, key influencers weighed in on the final rule release. Elected officials largely fell along party lines in their support for the Clean Power Plan. Notably, Gov. Tom Wolf gave a very strong statement in support of the plan, while Sen. Bob Casey reaffirmed his strong support of climate action. 

An excerpt from Gov. Wolf’s press release on the Clean Power Plan:

“My administration is committed to making the Clean Power Plan work for Pennsylvania. Working with the legislature, industry leaders and citizens we will create a plan to ensure these new rules are applied fairly, allow for adjustments, and that they create economic opportunities for the commonwealth’s energy economy. Today’s plan sets ambitious but achievable goals for reducing carbon emissions statewide and addressing climate change in fair and smart ways that takes into account legitimate concerns of all parties.”

An excerpt from Sen. Casey’s statement on the Clean Power Plan:

“Addressing climate change is key for our nation’s economic security, national security, public health and the health of our environment. Today, the President laid out a substantial plan to address the challenges of climate change. In November, I wrote the Administration a letter outlining the need to strike the right balance in formulating this plan. I appreciate the consideration that the Administration has given to the needs of states like Pennsylvania when it comes to implementation.”

Unsurprisingly, Sen. Pat Toomey, through a spokesperson, reiterated his support of coal.

Immediately following the final rule release, PennFuture convened a diverse group of labor organizations, health experts, faith leaders, clean energy industry representatives, and environmental advocates from across the Commonwealth for a telephone press conference to highlight the myriad benefits of the plan. 

Below are statements from some of the speakers that participated on the call. 

Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of PennFuture: 

“The Clean Power Plan is an essential step toward mitigating climate change and improving air quality. The Commonwealth must use this opportunity to accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon, clean energy future by creating a state-based plan that is both aspirational and well suited to Pennsylvania. Our children’s futures depend on it.”

Jeaneen Zappa, executive director of Conservation Consultants, Inc.: 

“Energy efficiency is the easiest and cheapest first step toward savings on electric bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Residential and commercial buildings combined are responsible for 41 percent of total U.S. energy consumption, and 20 percent of that energy in buildings is being wasted. Consumers large and small will win by embracing the energy efficiency measures that will help define the Clean Power Plan.”

Dr. Alan Peterson, emeritus director of environmental and community medicine for Lancaster General Health: 

“Climate change is the most significant health issue of our century according to the World Health Organization. Global warming is related to a broad range of adverse health effects including illnesses and death from extreme heat. It's easy to see why the Clean Power Plan and its goal to reduce carbon pollution and slow the effects of climate change is a win for Pennsylvania's most vulnerable populations.”

In closing, we wanted to remind everyone of last week’s post where we mentioned how critical our U.S. senators will be in determining the fate of the Clean Power Plan. We’ve since set up an action alert for supporters to send letters to both Sens. Casey and Toomey calling on them to publicly support the final rule. Make your voice heard on this important issue!

Katie Bartolotta is southeastern Pennsylvania outreach coordinator for PennFuture and is based in Philadelphia. She tweets @KatieBartolotta. 

A robust effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania

Recognizing the opportunities that a new governor in Pennsylvania can embark upon, PennFuture staff analyzed and evaluated potential environmental, conservation and energy policy actions that Gov. Tom Wolf can take or initiate, most within the first 100 days of his administration. We've called it A Fresh Start for Pennsylvania: 26 steps that Governor Wolf can take to improve Pennsylvania's environment and economy.

The 26 policy recommendations variously address stormwater management, well constructions standards, and green building standards, among other issues. This post is a synopsis of our recommendation to reduce carbon pollution.

Make robust efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Recommendation

Governor Wolf should make climate change a priority for not only the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), but for the entire administration. This vital work needs to be bolstered and elevated in profile. The Wolf administration should immediately commence its climate planning and greenhouse gas reduction efforts in conjunction with the forthcoming requirements of the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan.

A robust state climate policy will make our economy more energy efficient, saving our citizens money. Reducing carbon pollution also reduces smog, ozone, and other traditional air pollutants.

Recent modeling from our grid operator PJM has shown that a multi-state approach to reducing carbon pollution can be as much as 30 percent less expensive than a state specific plan. For this reason, the administration should investigate joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) or a similar organization. This would not only simplify compliance with federal requirements, it would also bring money into the state that could support additional programs to reduce carbon pollution.

Because increases in energy efficiency will return money directly to consumers while lowering carbon pollution, Pennsylvania should focus on achievable efficiency measures. This could include building on the success of existing efficiency programs such as Pennsylvania’s Act 129, bringing our building codes up to current standards and promoting energy efficiency financing programs such as Energy Savings Performance Contracting (ESPC), Keystone HELP, Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE), and on-bill finance programs.

In addition to efficiency, Pennsylvania could do more to encourage renewable energy. While Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) program made the state an early leader, nearby states have since set higher targets for clean and renewable energy. By renewing its leadership in this field, Pennsylvania would create more jobs, lower energy prices, and reduce not just carbon pollution but protect public health by reducing air toxics, water pollution, and waste.

Joy Bergey is PennFuture's federal policy director. She is based in Philadelphia and tweets @joybergey.