skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump administration begins sweeping layoffs with probationary workers, warns of larger cuts to come; NYC music school teachers strike after union negotiations break down; Ohio advocates push for inclusive policies during Black History Month; Health experts recommend sunshine, socializing to cure 'winter blues.'

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Federal workers tasked with securing elections from foreign interference are placed on leave, parents' organizations reject dismantling Dept. of Education, and the Congressional Black Caucus presses discussions on slavery reparations.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Commonwealth Court denies PA attempts to join RGGI

play audio
Play

Tuesday, November 21, 2023   

In a significant setback for environmental efforts in Pennsylvania, a state court recently ruled that a program designed to reduce air pollution from power plants is illegal. The Pennsylvania Commonwealth court struck down a law that would have allowed the state to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a program that aims to reduce carbon emissions from power plants.

John Walliser, senior vice president with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, said state leaders still have a constitutional obligation to address climate change and air pollution, despite the court's ruling, and added Pennsylvania participating in RGGI would bring revenue directly back into the state.

"By not participating in Reggie, we already have and will continue to leave millions of dollars on the table to address those needs. And we're also missing the opportunity to better leverage federal dollars that are available right now to states for clean tech investment, energy, community assistance and pollution remediation," he explained.

Walliser said the ruling by the Commonwealth court can be appealed but it's up to the Governor Josh Shapiro to make that decision. In the meantime, House Republican members are calling on the governor to accept the recent Commonwealth Court decision that Pennsylvania's enrollment RGGI is unconstitutional and to appeal it.

Vanessa Lynch, Pennsylvania field organizer for Moms Clean Air Force, said Pennsylvania is the third largest carbon emitter in the nation, and if the states wants to meet its near-term climate goals, it's important to cut pollution for the health and well-being of the residents.

"I think we're all hopeful that this decision can be appealed. And as a mom, what I know is Reggie will decrease the air pollution coming from power plants and make it easier for Pennsylvania's children to breathe clean air, and that, frankly, is worth fighting for," she contended.

Lynch added her group advocates for immediate action because it's important for Pennsylvania to eliminate harmful pollutants such as mercury, particulate matter and heavy metals, all byproducts of burning fossil fuels like coal at power plants. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection found that joining RGGI could prevent 30,000 hospital visits for respiratory illnesses such as asthma for children and adults.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
In 2023, the Biden administration ordered a Bakersfield oil company to remove old oil rigs from Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California. (Bob Wick/BLM)

Environment

play sound

Groups that fight to protect public lands are criticizing the Trump administration's new review of all oil, gas and mining on public lands. National …


Social Issues

play sound

Minnesota is little less than a year away from launching its paid-leave law, but state lawmakers are debating whether to delay the start until 2027…

Social Issues

play sound

A New York City music school's faculty is back in the classroom after a weeklong strike. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty …


The nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves offers a mini-lesson for teachers about the Jan. 6 U.S. Capitol attack, designed for grades 6-12. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

A New York bill would require schools to teach about the Jan. 6 insurrection. The bill calls for all K-12 students to be taught about the event…

Health and Wellness

play sound

An Atlanta-based group is making sure more people have access to an unconventional but effective treatment for their moderate mental health challenges…

Social Issues

play sound

With cost at the forefront of prospective students' minds, higher education institutions in North Carolina are rethinking how to overcome one of the …

Social Issues

play sound

Kentucky's Appalachian counties are expanding efforts to help ensure kids are off to the right start educationally. Research shows attending a high-…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021