The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), often called a “cap and trade” program, is the first mandatory market-based program in the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Its effect is the same as a direct tax or fee on emissions because RGGI allowance costs are passed on from electric generators to distribution companies to consumers.
The PA DEP has been ordered by Governor Wolf to develop a plan by Sept 15th to join a regional cap and trade consortium of states. If the legislature allows this to go through, your electric rates are going to skyrocket.
Consider the current average rates per kWh in PA compared to states already burdened by their participation in the RGGI scam.
- Rhode Island - 22.7
- Massachusetts - 22.51
- New York - 17.27
- Vermont - 16.73
- Pennsylvania - 12.53
The CATO report also found increased electric rates in RGGI states. Using the weighted average nominal electricity revenue for multi-state groups, Stevenson found that from 2007 to 2015, electricity prices in RGGI states increased by 64 % more than in the non-RGGI sample states. The review also found RGGI’s mandated allowances added $11 million a year to Delaware’s electric bills and $28.5 million for indirect costs due to RGGI rules.
We are already bearing the effects of COVID 19. Why would the Governor impose more hardships on us by adding an extra burden on the necessity of having electricity? Apparently, our needs do not fit into his equation.
Here are more links to information about RGGI:
https://naturalgasnow.org/?s=rggi&submit=Search
https://naturalgasnow.org/rggi-or-not-only-if-you-like-hidden-costs-and-subsidies/