Clean Air Council Responds to Governor Shapiro’s Energy Plan

PHILADELPHIA (January 31, 2025) – This week, Governor Shapiro announced a new energy plan for Pennsylvania, the “Lightning Plan,” to cut energy costs for consumers and boost energy efficiency, renewables, and fossil fuels alike. Currently, only 3% of Pennsylvania’s energy comes from renewable sources. As AI and cryptocurrency demand ever more electricity, Pennsylvania must respond swiftly by bringing more renewable energy online to ensure the affordability of energy costs. 

The Governor’s plan aims to grow Pennsylvania’s energy sector by revamping tax credits to incentivize energy investment, speeding project permitting, updating Pennsylvania’s flagship energy efficiency program, and enhancing access to community energy, such as solar. The plan also includes energy policies introduced by the Governor last year, which would increase renewable energy standards and cap pollution from the power sector.

Alex Bomstein, Clean Air Council Executive Director, issued the following statement:

“There is much to like in Governor Shapiro’s ambitious energy plan, such as its support for renewable energy development and modernizing energy standards. At the same time, fossil fuels compete with renewables, and the details of some of these proposals will be critical to ensure they help more than they harm. We must take every available action to ensure Pennsylvania doesn’t lose out on this opportunity to create jobs, lower energy costs, diversify our energy mix, and cut harmful pollution by boosting cheap and abundant renewables.”