Pennsylvania’s new energy plan a ‘betrayal’ to those on the front lines, critics say

Pennsylvania -Governor Josh Shapiro this week turned his new energy plan in an address about his budget proposal, where he framed it as an approach that will “reduce energy costs, create jobs, keep electrical bills down for families and increase the generation.”

The plan, which he calls the lightning plan in a nod to Ben Franklin, includes initiatives to accelerate to allow energy projects, modernize energy standards and reduce household energy costs. It also includes tax credits to encourage investment in hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

“Supported by environmental groups, building traders, chambers of trading, consumer organizations and even industrial leaders, the lightning plan takes bold steps to increase energy production, explore ways to sustained sources and grow our economy,” Shapiro said.

While some environmentalists support the plan, others in the state are critical of the governor’s continued commitment to an “all the above” energy strategy that depends on fossil fuels that damage the climate and aggravate disasters while doing a little to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. They criticized the weight of hydrogen and SAF that they see as untested “green washing.” Some types of hydrogen are produced using natural gas, and skeptics say that the total climate advantages of SAF are still unclear.

Governor gave his speech on the lightning plan in Pittsburgh International Airport, The Suggested page For a hydrogen and SAF project supported by the fracking company CNX resources. CNX is a long -time partner for Shapiro administration: In 2024, the company collaborated with Shapiro on a project to monitor its fracking wells and release some of the data to the public.

“You’ve heard me say it again and again. I am an all-of-the-over energy governor. I think we have to take advantage of all kinds of energy production if we really want to lead, ”Shapiro said.

From 2024 Pennsylvania ranked 48. For growth in renewable energy In the United States. It is the second largest producer of natural gas in the country.

“It’s not a climate plan, it’s not an energy plan, it’s a plan to keep the fossil fuel industry happy,” said Megan McDonough, Pennsylvania State Director at Food & Water Watch, a nonprofit for the environment that goes in for a ban on fracking . “It’s really a betrayal for the people who suffer on the front lines.”

The health and environmental impacts of more than 20 years of fracking in Pennsylvania are Well -documented. They include Threats to water and air quality and increased risk of problems such as asthma, low birth weight and some childhood cancer.

In addition to the local effects, they are wider, expanded risks of life and property when climate change is not marked. Increasingly warns business experts – not just scientists – that Houses will become more and more uninsured and Massive financial shock the tissue.

“We have to actually change away from fossil fuels and not continue to build more of them,” McDonough said. “We really need bold actions to tackle these problems, not just these tape help solutions.”

Karen Feridun, co-founder of Grassroots Pennsylvania Environmental Group The Better Path Coalition, said she wished Shapiro had focused more on the damage to society caused by oil and gas development. “He lacks the part of how people are really injured, and it will only get worse,” she said.

The press release about the aforementioned lightning plan “More extreme weather events” But did not connect these events to climate change. Shapiros support for oil and gas “more than cancels” the environmentally friendly aspects of the plan, Feridun said.

By advertising the energy plan, Governor urged to reduce emissions from power plants. RGGI has been controversial in Pennsylvania for years and the state membership is currently tied up in litigation.

Shapiro said Passing Pacer was “the fastest way out of RGGI” and called the bill “Built to Pennsylvania by Pennsylvanance.”

Answer to Shapiro’s budget proposal, Marcellus Shale CoalitionA regional trade organization for the natural gas industry said it appreciates “a renewed focus on permission and regulatory reform,” but said bills like Pacer would “undermine the broad -based benefits of Pennsylvania Natural Gas.”

Pacer grew out of a working group called by the governor in 2023, which included representatives from the oil and gas industry, unions and environmental advocates. One of the group’s leaders was Jackson Morris, the director of the State Electric Sector policy at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Morris praised Shapiro’s energy plan as “one of the most ambitious plans we’ve seen.”

Julia Kortrey, Deputy Political Director at Evergreen Action, a climate -located nonprofit, said in a statement that Shapiro’s lightning plan was “a crucial first step towards building an affordable, reliable and sustainable energy rumor for Pennsylvania” and called the plan “a promising start.” Was free for Shapiros Pacer Bill and his efforts to scale up “cheaper clean energy.”

For others, the first step was not enough considering the moment.

“He has a real opportunity, especially with the new federal administration, to take a stand for the population of Pennsylvania,” said McDonough. “But this is a sign that we will see more of the same old political playbook.”