PA-EQB Votes To Approve Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Regulations For Public Review
On September 15, the Environmental Quality Board voted 13 to 6 to approve the proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction for Power Plants consistent with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative for public comment and review by the General Assembly and the Independent Regulatory Review Commission.
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Majority Chair, Senate Environmental Resource and Energy Committee and Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler), Majority Chair, House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, voted against the regulations as did four members of DEP’s Citizens Advisory Council on the 20 member Board.
The final vote came after nearly four hours of discussion and questions and seven different motions to Table and make other changes to the proposal and supporting documents were defeated by similar votes.
Opponents of the proposed carbon pollution reduction program and proponents made many of the same points they raised during Senate and House hearings and information sessions on the proposal over the last few months.
DEP is proposing a 60-day public comment period and five virtual public hearings. Motions by opponents to lengthen the comment period and have the hearings be in-person failed.
For more information and available handouts, visit the Environmental Quality Board webpage.
