Clean energy is something that we need more of in Western Pennsylvania. The announcement of the expansion of the Mon Valley Eos Energy facility (“Federal loan to support $500M expansion at Eos Energy’s Mon Valley facility,” Sept. 1, TribLIVE) is a step in the right direction. For too long, the Pittsburgh region has exploited its natural resources for energy. That legacy has shaped the image of the region and tainted it with outdated ideas about heavy pollution and poor regulations.

While that stereotype of the region isn’t true, we’re shaping our future now. Clean energy is essential in the region not only for jobs, but because Pittsburgh has always been a place for innovation. With this expansion, this region can be a leader and innovator in clean energy. We’re not shying away from the challenge to lower our dependence on fossil fuels. More than eight in 10 Pennsylvanians support climate and clean energy investments like those included in the Inflation Reduction Act, and this facility shows clean energy is a climate win for all Pennsylvanians.

I applaud the expansion of this facility. Let’s green our grid and make Pittsburgh a model city for a clean energy future.

Erin McClain Beck

Bethel Park

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