Governor Josh Shapiro’s Lightning Plan Strengthens Pennsylvania’s Energy Leadership While Prioritizing a Cleaner, Healthier Future for All

Harrisburg, PA — Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) issued the following statement in response to Governor Josh Shapiro’s announcement of his energy plan for Pennsylvania titled the “Lightning Plan”.

“We applaud Governor Josh Shapiro’s announcement of the Lightning Plan, a forward-thinking energy strategy that strengthens Pennsylvania’s leadership in the energy sector while prioritizing a cleaner, healthier future for all residents,” said Kate Courtin, Senior Manager for State Climate Policy & Strategy at EDF. “By bringing together labor, industry, environmental advocates, and consumer groups, Governor Shapiro is creating a collaborative approach that prioritizes innovation, job creation, and pollution reduction.”

“Governor Shapiro’s plan recognizes that it is time to modernize Pennsylvania’s energy framework through strategic initiatives such as PRESS (Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard) and PACER (Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Act). These policies will help the state diversify its energy mix and deliver reliable, clean, and affordable energy. A cap on power sector pollution, as proposed in PACER, can be the backbone of Pennsylvania’s transition to next-generation power solutions while reinvesting in communities to lower electricity costs. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) remains a proven and effective approach to implement this type of program as well.” 

“As Pennsylvania continues to develop policies to accelerate the transition to clean energy and bring more resources on the grid,  it is also crucial to prioritize a strong, durable methane rule. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that accelerates climate change and poses risks to public health,” said John Rutecki, Regulatory and Legislative Manager for Appalachia at Environmental Defense Fund.  “As Governor Shapiro further develops his energy plans, we encourage his administration to start the rulemaking process and convene a diverse coalition, with the purpose of developing a pragmatic rule that significantly reduces methane emissions while fostering economic and job growth. By leveraging this moment to implement comprehensive methane regulations, Pennsylvania can lead by example and demonstrate that environmental responsibility and economic prosperity go hand in hand.”

The Environmental Defense Fund looks forward to reviewing more details of the plan and working with the Governor and state leaders to ensure Pennsylvania’s energy transition is both sustainable and equitable. The Lightning Plan is a step toward a cleaner, more reliable energy future, and we urge the General Assembly to act swiftly in support of this vision. Together, we can build a Pennsylvania that leads in energy innovation while protecting our air, water, and climate for generations to come.