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Bill

SB 186

An Act providing for the abrogation of regulations relating to the CO2 Budget Trading Program.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Argall and 26 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill eliminates state participation in regional carbon trading program, ending ~$150-200M annual emissions auction revenue for clean energy and efficiency programs.

Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection
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Bill Summary · SB 186

Legislative bill overview

SB 186 seeks to eliminate Pennsylvania's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multi-state CO2 cap-and-trade program that regulates emissions from power plants. The bill would abrogate the regulations that implement this program in Pennsylvania, effectively withdrawing the state from the interstate emissions trading market.

Why is this important

Pennsylvania's participation in RGGI generates approximately $150-200 million annually in auction revenue that funds energy efficiency programs, renewable energy development, and other climate initiatives. Withdrawal would eliminate this funding stream and represent a significant reversal of the state's climate policy direction, affecting both environmental goals and clean energy investment.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic impact: Loss of substantial state revenue that currently supports energy programs; potential job losses in clean energy sectors that depend on RGGI-funded initiatives
  • Interstate coordination: Withdrawal from a multi-state agreement could damage Pennsylvania's ability to participate in other regional environmental compacts and commercial relationships with neighboring states
  • Environmental goals: Removal of emissions regulations on power plants may increase CO2 pollution and undermine Pennsylvania's ability to meet any future climate targets or federal environmental standards

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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