Tell Lawmakers to Support RGGI!
"The ELCA calls upon individuals, agencies, organizations, corporations, and governments to pursue goals, set policies, and establish practices that...Promote a just transition from fossil fuels to a clean-energy future that leaves no one behind, through public investments in economic development and job retraining programs." - ELCA social message on “Earth’s Climate Crisis” (pp. 11-12)
Right now, Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering budget proposals that would cancel the regulations allowing the possibility of our state participating in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), pending the PA Supreme Court decision. RGGI is one of the most effective tools we have to reduce pollution, invest in clean energy, and create family-sustaining jobs through just transition.
Tracey DePasquale, currently representing Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in PA at the UN climate change conference, COP30, expresses her concern with the recent developments: “I was extremely disheartened to arrive at COP30, where I am face-to-face with our siblings around the world who are suffering the impacts of climate change, to learn that not only has our national government given up its leadership here, but leaders in our Commonwealth may turn their backs on the potential of RGGI to mitigate future harm. If we truly love our neighbors and our children, we must commit to a just transition away from fossil fuels.”
Pennsylvania has the 4th highest energy-related CO₂ emissions in the U.S. This pollution contributes to the worsening effects of climate change and harms those affected, including our global companions, who continue to bear the brunt of floods, droughts, and other climate disasters. Over the past year, Pennsylvania has experienced heat waves, heavy rains, and poor air quality. Across the globe, many of our partner synods’ companion communities have faced devastating flooding and extreme weather. Too often, the most vulnerable people carry the greatest burdens when we neglect care for God’s creation. As people of faith, we are called to care for creation and one another, to ensure that our children and grandchildren inherit a livable world.
Dennis Groce, Green Team for the NWPA Synod / Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, reminds us: “In our faith, God has given us the responsibility to care for this world – not crumble the world. Actions that encourage the climate crisis that we ourselves have created in recent centuries are increasing the world’s problems. In fact, removing Pennsylvania from RGGI will exacerbate Pennsylvania’s financial problems. RGGI would develop a revenue stream that could be used to increase funding for any number of state programs in need RGGI is already in place in nearly a dozen other states, and has resulted in carbon emissions being cut roughly in half. Pennsylvania should be leading the way in carbon reduction, not running away. Studies have shown that RGGI has produced significant net economic benefits for participating states, including $5.7 billion in net economic benefits and 48,000 job-years. RGGI would generate revenue for Pennsylvania to help fund any number of programs that help people in need of housing, nutrition, education, and health care. So removing Pennsylvania from RGGI is counterproductive. RGGI would do exactly what is necessary: require power plants to reduce their carbon emissions over time (not all at once) by requiring their increasing investment in clean energy. They could continue to produce power but in less harmful ways. All told, removing Pennsylvania from RGGI is removing an opportunity for an improved quality of life in Pennsylvania.”
RGGI is a cap-and-invest program that limits the amount of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) power plants can release. Thirteen regional states currently use RGGI and have been successful in reducing their GHG emissions by more than 50 percent.
Pastor Paul Metzloff of Sinking Spring, PA, shares why this matters for our witness and future: “As a Lutheran pastor and member of my Synod's Green Team (focused on care for creation), I am deeply disturbed and disappointed by the potential budget deal which will abandon our possible membership in RGGI, which is currently being contested in the courts. I have written editorials in support of RGGI, spoken with my legislators about it, and am convinced that it would be an excellent opportunity for Pennsylvanians. It would lower energy costs, support sustainable energy development, and play a positive role in caring for our state and our world.”
In addition to environmental benefits, RGGI revenues would help fund a just energy transition, supporting workers and communities historically dependent on fossil fuel industries. A portion of RGGI funds would support economic development in Pennsylvania’s extraction regions, including workforce retraining, local investment, and energy efficiency programs that lower bills for families. Participation in RGGI could provide over $1 billion in clean energy investments and deliver a cumulative $1.5 billion in electricity cost savings between 2025 and 2030.
Julia Frank, Lutheran Disaster Response Coordinator for Eastern Pennsylvania, and President of Pennsylvania Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, urges us not to turn away: “The most important thing we can do to protect Pennsylvanians from already increasing and more volatile storms is to invest in climate solutions like RGGI. I implore Governor Shapiro and the House to not abandon the critical and innovative policy tool that RGGI is for Pennsylvanians.”
As Lutherans and people of faith, we affirm that caring for creation is caring for our neighbors. RGGI offers a faithful and practical way to protect public health, reduce pollution, and ensure that no community is left behind as we transition to a clean-energy future.
Pennsylvania can achieve both economic prosperity and environmental protection. This is not a choice between the two.
Urge Pennsylvania lawmakers and Governor Shapiro to keep RGGI proposals out of budget negotiations and protect our shared home. Enter your information in the form on the right, and it will take you to a message that you can edit to send to your state lawmakers in the General Assembly. Include a personalized message about your commitment to caring for our neighbors around the world - it really does make a difference!
