AFP Lauds PA Court’s Halting Destructive RGGI Carbon Tax
Nation’s Largest Grassroots Group Notes RGGI’s Impact on Energy Abundance
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania—Today, Americans for Prosperity-Pennsylvania applauded a state court’s decision stopping the Keystone State from entering into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
The multi-state pact would impose a carbon tax on Pennsylvania energy industries and, in turn, businesses and working families. Current Governor Josh Shapiro’s (D) predecessor Governor Tom Wolf (D) declared Pennsylvania a RGGI participant by executive order, instead of obtaining approval by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Bipartisan majorities in both legislative houses voted decisively in opposition to the carbon-tax scheme.
Commonwealth Court Judge Michael Wojcik wrote the opinion affirming the need for legislative approval for levying any tax. Under the ruling, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection may not proceed with enforcing Gov. Wolf’s rule eventuating RGGI membership.
AFP-PA State Director Ashley Klingensmith said:
“Today is a great day, not only for the rule of law, but also for energy abundance and affordability in Pennsylvania. Residents’ duly elected lawmakers in Harrisburg heard loud and clear from their constituents and knew that RGGI membership would mean higher energy bills and massive job losses. We at AFP-PA applaud the Commonwealth Court for recognizing that the state Constitution cannot allow the executive branch to circumvent our legislature, particularly when it comes to taxing Pennsylvanians.
“We further call upon our current chief executive to hear the call of the many constituencies—including industry leaders, workers and consumers—who want the Keystone State to retain its dominance as a leader in energy production. The Commonwealth Court’s ruling today is thoroughly sound and should not be appealed.”
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Unleashing energy abundance with an “all of the above approach” is a key element of AFP’s plan to fight inflation and make life more affordable for everyday Americans who are suffering from today’s higher cost of living.
