Dive Brief:
- Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett (R) has signed legislation allowing the state's lawmakers to veto plans to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emissions goals, although they will not have the final say.
- But the bill has been watered down, according to Energy Central, to address concerns that lawmakers in the coal state could hold up compliance efforts. The law now contains provisions that push along emissions reductions plans even without lawmaker consent, although the House and Senate will still need to review any compliance efforts.
- Environmental advocates opposed the legislation, which they believe would allow politics to trump energy policy and science.
Dive Insight:
A new law in Pennsylvania allows the state's House or Senate to veto plans by the Department of Environmental Protection to comply with EPA emissions targets, but the bill was watered down before Corbett signed it. Now, even if the plan is vetoed it will move forward after 60 days after the plan hits desk a second time, with or without endorsement.
"Fundamental questions about energy reliability, infrastructure and price need to be addressed during the planning phase to ensure that, whatever strategy for compliance Pennsylvania ultimately pursues, it will result in an electric generation mix that will achieve the emission reduction targets and maintain competitive pricing for manufacturers and consumers," said Pennsylvania Coal Alliance CEO,John Pippy.
The measure passed with bipartisan support. It was authored by Rep. Pam Snyder (D-Fayette/Greene/Washington).
