Webinar shows broad concern from public about climate change, need for increased action
PHILADELPHIA − February 17, 2022 − Nearly 200 Pennsylvanians joined PennEnvironment, State Senators Amanda Cappelletti and Katie Muth, and State Representative Chris Rabb for a webinar to discuss the need to tackle climate change by transitioning the Commonwealth to 100% renewable energy.
Attendees got to hear firsthand from the lead sponsors of Pennsylvania’s Go100PA legislation (HB100 & SB872) about what this bill would mean for Pennsylvania. They also had a chance to ask questions to the legislators during the hour-long event.
A recording of the panel is available on PennEnvironment’s Facebook page.
As Pennsylvanians continue to experience more frequent and intense downpours, flash flooding, and extreme weather events, like Hurricane Ida last summer, growing numbers are seeking solutions to tackle the climate crisis. The legislators and advocates answered their call with “Go100PA,” legislation that would put Pennsylvania on track to reach 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.
“It is clear that climate change is the existential crisis of our lifetime. We must start implementing policy solutions immediately that can help stop the worst impacts,” said PennEnvironment’s Field Director Flora Cardoni. “At this critical moment, Pennsylvanians are fortunate to have Senators Cappelletti and Muth and Representative Rabb fighting in Harrisburg for a future powered by 100% clean renewable energy and the other climate solutions that we all need and deserve.”
Wednesday’s discussion focused on why this renewable energy future is so critical and what it could mean for Pennsylvania, with legislators sharing why this transition is so important to them.
“Going 100% renewable is an existential imperative. Doing it justly is a moral imperative,” said Representative Chris Rabb. “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.”
“In the past few years, our Commonwealth has experienced an increase in extreme weather events that have been detrimental to our communities,” said Senator Amanda Cappelletti. “While we cannot immediately reverse the effects of climate change, we can certainly decelerate the progress by establishing an effective framework for clean energy across the Commonwealth – which is exactly what Go 100 PA does. I am proud to sponsor this legislation.”
“Global warming is the biggest and most threatening problem facing the world, and big problems can only be solved with urgent action and bold plans for change, said Senator Katie Muth. “Pennsylvania’s natural resources and public health have been exploited for decades, leaving our state with endless legacy pollution. Our air, land, and water have been held hostage by corporate polluters, the same entities that have caused the climate crisis. It’s time to clean up Pennsylvania and our legislation to transition our state to 100% renewable energy will do just that.”
Last night’s event made it clear that everyday Pennsylvanians and legislators alike are committed to working together to fight climate change, promote renewable energy, and ensure a livable climate for future generations of Pennsylvanians.
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PennEnvironment is a statewide non-profit environmental advocacy group dedicated to protecting our water, air and open spaces. We investigate problems, craft solutions, educate the public and decision-makers, and help the public make their voices heard in local, state and national debates over the quality of our environment and our lives. To learn more about this or PennEnvironment’s other priorities, visit our website at www.PennEnvironment.org.