Sierra Club Disappointed in Senate Vote Against Energy Efficiency #Energy #ClimateChange

The Pennsylvania Senate passed senate bill 805 yesterday allowing large commercial and industrial electricity customers to opt out of participating in energy efficiency programs as required by Pennsylvania Act 129. Lack of participation from the sector will significantly decrease funding available to programs that cut energy waste in the state, leading to more pollution from power plants and raising electricity  prices for everyone.

Since Pennsylvania’s energy efficiency requirements began in 2009 they have saved ratepayers more than $2 for every dollar invested in the program. Additionally, they have reduced the need run polluting power plants and lowered the cost of electricity supply for everyone by cutting demand for the most expensive power plants. The passage of this bill will allow large energy consumers, who use almost one-third of all the electricity consumed in PA, to opt out of these programs, thus reducing those benefits for all Pennsylvanians.

In response, Thomas Schuster, Senior Campaign Representative for the Sierra Club, issued the following statement:

“We’re very disappointed to see the Senate pass a bill that will only benefit a few large commercial and industrial customers. Essentially, these companies are asking for a free ride. They will continue to see benefits, in the form of cheaper electricity and less pollution as the rest of us participate in these essential programs, but they won’t have to pay their fair share. Meanwhile, the programs will suffer from less funding and the benefits we all see through cheaper energy bills and reduced pollution will be diminished. This is a clear lose-lose both for consumers and the environment at a time when we must do everything we can to decrease carbon pollution and provide healthier air quality for Pennsylvania residents.

We now call on the House will reject this bad bill.”