Could PA Reach 100 Percent Renewable Energy By 2050? These Lawmakers Want To Try

HARRISBURG, PA — A handful of state lawmakers joined environmental advocates at the state capitol on Tuesday to call for legislation that would put Pennsylvania on track to reach 100 percent renewable energy by the year 2050.

State Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, a Democrat representing the 17th Senatorial District, which includes Plymouth Township and surrounding municipalities, joined fellow legislators and Flora Cardoni, field director for PennEnvironment, to advocate for climate action including the "Go100PA" proposal involving the renewable energy goal.

"Our policy solutions must be long term and prioritize public health. Climate change's very real effects are destroying our homes and health," Cappelletti said in a statement. "Go100PA will provide the much needed framework for Pennsylvania to boldly address climate change and begin our transition to 100% renewable energy."

Cappelletti, also a licensed attorney who possesses a Master's Degree in Public Health, stated that climate change is one of the biggest concerns of her constituents and that she will "continue to fight for investments in clean energy."

Fellow Sen. Katie Muth, a Democrat from the 44th Senatorial District, representing parts of Montgomery, Chester and Berks Counties, stated that lawmakers have a duty to act to help protect not just those alive today, but future generations.

"Go100PA is a critical step in stopping further harm from global warming caused by fossil fuel industry pollution and ensuring a safe and sustainable future for Pennsylvania," Muth said in a statement. "Urgent action is needed NOW, and I am honored to work with my colleagues in the House and Senate on this life-and earth-saving initiative."

According to the senators, a total of nine states, which represent a collective 85 million-plus people, have already passed similar legislation.

House members joined their Senate colleagues in calling for action.

"Going 100% renewable is an existential imperative. Doing it justly is a moral imperative. And as legislators, it is at the heart of the oath we took to uphold our state's constitution, one of only two in the nation that explicitly demands environmental stewardship," Rep. Christopher Rabb, D-Philadelphia, said in a statement. "Aggressive, creative and just climate action is the embattled bridge we must cross to the only future that allows humanity to persist in alignment with Earth, lest Earth relegates us to fossils from an era of unmitigated mass ecological destruction."

Cardoni, the field director for PennEnvironment, said politicians need to stop being influenced by fossil fuel industry lobbyists who are "holding our planet hostage with 19th century energy technologies.

"They need to listen to their constituents who want to tap into our 21st century solutions to climate change and move the Commonwealth to 100% clean, renewable, energy," Cardoni said in a statement.

Those attending the Harrisburg event said that it was clear Pennsylvania was feeling the effects of climate change, as is evidenced by Hurricane Ida, which three weeks ago came through the area, causing more than $100 million in damage and displacing hundreds of Pennsylvanians.

The website for Go100PA shows that the proposal has the support of around 41 other Pennsylvania House and Senate members in addition to the three who attended Tuesday's rally. More about the proposed legislation can be found on its web page.