Renewable energy has the potential to boost the economy and benefit Keystone’s workers and environment. That was the message from the Global Clean Energy Action Forum that just ended in Pittsburgh.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, clean energy will be essential to improving air quality and health, reducing the state’s carbon footprint and combating climate change.
Pittsburgh City Council member Erika Strassburger said the transition to cleaner energy sources also means more opportunities for the energy workforce.
“We know there are already jobs created in really clean energy generation,” Straßburger said, “whether it’s wind power, solar power, geothermal power, hydropower – and even making vehicles and buildings more energy efficient and retrofitting homes and buildings.” .”
Meanwhile, House Bill 1161 made it through the Pennsylvania House in June and was heard by a Senate committee just last week.
If passed, the PA Local Solar program would allow electric customers to get their electricity from solar sources instead of a mix of energy types.
More than half of Pennsylvania’s homes are heated by gas, and the state is the country’s third-largest producer of coal.
The Inflation Reduction Act includes a historic $370 billion investment to tackle climate change over the next decade. Strassburger said that this could not help but change the economic landscape for Pennsylvania, adopt renewable energy and improve energy efficiency.
“I’m incredibly excited about the passage of the anti-inflation bill,” Straßburger said, “the monies that come with it and some of the mandates that come with it too, and the commitments.” I think it will really make a difference on a state level and on a local level where I serve.”
She added that there is much debate about hydrogen production and in particular about blue hydrogen, which requires carbon capture and storage to be viable and carbon neutral.
The 2021 Infrastructure Act also earmarks $8 billion for the creation of regional clean hydrogen hubs across the country. Some business groups are hoping to win a bid to build one of these centers in Pennsylvania.
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