Increase energy efficiency, renewable energy

Gov. Tom Wolf’s visionary leadership on climate change and clean energy is big news for both our environment and economy.

His landmark executive order establishing the first statewide goal for reducing CO2 pollution, on the heels of the decision to join the 12state Transportation and Climate Initiative, demonstrates the governor is serious about building a clean energy future.

As the CEO of a business that manufactures energy efficiency technology in Pittsburgh, I see both of these as critical to Pennsylvania’s economic development. E2’s 2018 Clean Jobs Pennsylvania report found over 86,000 Pennsylvanians across all 67 counties now work in clean energy industries. The governor’s actions send the market signal to investors and clean energy companies like mine that the commonwealth is open for business. The pathway to create more of these good-paying jobs is clear.

Now the General Assembly has the opportunity to do its part. As the Legislature reconvenes, it should expand energy efficiency policies such as Act 129, which can create more jobs while also saving consumers and businesses money. It should also increase Pennsylvania’s outdated renewable energy goals in the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard and put a limit on carbon pollution from the power sector — as most Northeast states have.

Increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy should be a no-brainer for our General Assembly. Doing so will create jobs, drive new investments, and show the world that in Pennsylvania lawmakers can work together to benefit businesses, workers and the future of our younger residents.

GREG PUSCHNIGG

Bloomfield