In his budget address last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro said that “one of the most important things we can do right now is invest in our clean energy economy and the jobs it supports.” But as more details of the governor’s plans come out, it’s clear he means to continue to prioritize fossil fuels, delaying a meaningful transition to renewable energy jobs and new energy technologies.
Jobs that continue to rely on fossil fuels are not sustainable over the long term. This includes plans for more shale gas development and petrochemical plants, as well as a regional hydrogen hub that uses fracked gas as feedstock here in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Importantly, a continued reliance on fossil fuels will negatively impact the health of Pennsylvanians statewide. As study after study has shown, families who live near shale gas wells already suffer elevated risks for many health issues, including higher rates of asthma and heart problems, poorer birth outcomes, and cancers. Meanwhile, methane pollution speeds up climate change that impacts public health across the globe.
Other states have made great progress in embracing the renewable energy economy. They have leveraged federal dollars to boost job creation and put their state on a path to greater economic prosperity. With its strong record of manufacturing and deep labor pools, Pennsylvania could become a renewable energy leader, creating sustainable jobs, reducing health impacts and health care costs, and saving lives.
Shapiro needs to lay out a detailed plan for making renewable energy a keystone priority for Pennsylvania.
Patrick Dooling
Mt. Washington
The writer is deputy director of the Environmental Health Project (environmentalhealthproject.org).