State Senate Republicans vowed to fight Pennsylvania from joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in court after the Senate on Monday came one vote shy of overriding Gov. Tom Wolf’s veto of a resolution to disapprove RGGI.
The resolution received a 32-17 vote, with all Republicans and four Democratic senators voting to override the governor’s veto of the resolution, but still fell short of the required two-thirds majority needed to halt the state from joining the multi-state compact that would require electric power plants to pay for carbon dioxide emissions they generate.
Pennsylvania would join RGGI as early as July 1 unless a court rules against it.
“It is simply absurd that we would initiate a tax increase on Pennsylvanians and our Commonwealth’s energy resources at a time when inflation and gas prices are skyrocketing,” said Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R-Westmoreland). “We are trying to help Pennsylvanians manage through the economic fallout from COVID-19 not to mention the effects of the current state of affairs globally. The fight against the RGGI carbon tax will continue in court.”
“Stopping Pennsylvania from joining RGGI would have helped build upon a foundation started in the last budget session to position our Commonwealth’s economy for prosperity by helping to unleash Pennsylvanians’ greatest energy assets while reducing energy and consumer prices,” Ward added.
Sen. Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) also said he would continue to fight against Wolf’s veto. Citing an analysis from the Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) that found RGGI could increase residential electricity bills by 30 percent and kill 22,000 jobs, Pittman said RGGI would also cripple the state’s economic standing as a leading energy producer.
“Food insecurity, housing insecurity, energy insecurity, an inadequate minimum wage – all significant issues for which many in the Senate look for solutions day in and day out,” said Sen. Pittman during floor debate. “There is a universal solution to all of those insecurities and all of those inadequacies: it’s a family-sustaining job.”
Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) said he was disappointed the Senate could not muster the votes needed to override the veto.
“The RGGI carbon tax is the single greatest threat to our economic security and will leave thousands struggling to pay their utility bills during a time of record inflation and geopolitical instability,” Yaw said.
Citing recent testimony from the IFO, Commonwealth Foundation noted that the new carbon tax would gross $781 million in state revenue and lead to electricity price increases. While other states joined RGGI with the approval of their legislatures, the Harrisburg-based think tank said, Wolf unilaterally pushed for Pennsylvania’s entrance into RGGI.
“The Senate vote yesterday was to determine whether Wolf can unilaterally impose an $800 million carbon tax that will cause families’ electric bills to jump by 30 percent,” said Senior Vice President of Commonwealth Foundation Nathan Benefield. “Unfortunately, for working families across Pennsylvania, despite bipartisan opposition, Wolf can proceed with his unilateral tax and spend program.”