Letter to the editor: RGGI means sustainable energy, more jobs, less pollution

Sen. Kim Ward’s recent op-ed on the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) (“Now is not time for more taxes on electric, gas consumers,” Aug. 29, TribLIVE) mentions her concern for “hard-working Pennsylvanians.” As one of those Pennsylvanians, I take issue with her way of caring for us.

Contrary to her opinions, the facts show that the states she calls “liberal” have surpassed the economic growth of the rest of the country by 31%, while decreasing their carbon emissions as well by 47% under RGGI. What’s more, health benefits due to cleaner air total a whopping $6 billion between 2009 and 2014.

I consider myself a moderate, but if “liberal” means growing the economy while helping the environment of hard-working Pennsylvanians, then sign me up. Let’s look at all the costs and benefits of RGGI. The proposed attacks on this sensible move by Gov. Tom Wolf (Senate Bill 950 and House Bill 2025) are driven by a short-term look at partial truths, not the long-term good of the people.

Let’s use the facts, not half-truths, to lead us into a prosperous future. The money collected under RGGI will be used to promote renewable energy, which means sustainable energy, more jobs and less pollution. This hard-working Pennsylvanian wants all three.

Tim Savisky

Greensburg