To the extent that Gov. Tom Wolf transitions properly to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), this is a good decision for Pennsylvania. Several New England states have already joined the initiative and seen carbon emissions drop without losing business.
Joining RGGI is the first step in avoiding the worst effects of climate change in Pennsylvania. We can join RGGI and protect jobs. Wolf needs to make certain that the Office of Just Transition and any committee he forms take into consideration the needs of workers. Our elected officials should be able to simultaneously protect union jobs while making certain that we adequately meet the requirements of the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Over the summer while a legal extern with the IBEW 29, I learned that due to RGGI only affecting carbon-producing entities, the Beaver Valley Nuclear Power Station, which employs electrical workers, will be able to remain online employing hundreds of people and producing energy for our region.
If finessed properly, RGGI can be a great opportunity to the commonwealth. We just need to make certain that our elected officials do their jobs appropriately and balance the needs of all Pennsylvanians while joining the initiative.
Joe Maurizi
North Versailles
The writer is a law student at the University of Pittsburgh.