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We believe most Americans value protecting the environment. Here in Pennsylvania, we are surrounded by natural wonders.
But going too fast has some pitfalls, as can be seen in neighboring New York state. And the need to protect the environment needs to be balanced with its impact on families, communities and on our nation.
So we're urging caution after a recent announcement by Gov.Josh Shapiro. He was joined U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley, President of the Allegheny-Fayette Labor Council Darrin Kelly and local elected leaders to celebrate the Shapiro administration securing nearly $400 million to fund efforts to help Pennsylvania companies lower climate emissions.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been selected to receive a more than $396 million grant for the Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) project - 10% of the federal funds available for this program nationwide, making Pennsylvania one of the largest grant winners in the country. The RISE PA program is a part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's application to the EPA's Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program, part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
"My administration is taking real action to address climate change while continuing to create energy jobs and grow the economy - and today, I'm proud to announce that thanks to our partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration, Pennsylvania has been awarded $396 million in federal funding to start a new initiative called RISE PA," said Shapiro said. "This is one of the largest federal grants Pennsylvania has ever received, and through RISE PA, we will offer grants for companies working to make their operations more efficient."
It would be irresponsible to not take steps in this direction. But again, we emphasize realistic timelines and realistic spending levels.
What has happened in New York state is a double-edged sword. While it has cut down on harmful emissions, a majority of its power is being imported.
Pennsylvania is a leader in energy exporting. We cannot lose that standing.
Moreover, our nation is vexed by a national debt of $35 trillion and a spending deficit of $1.27 trillion just for this year so far. We believe our lawmakers and leaders must demonstrate greater concern for the viability of this spending.
We fear spending nearly $400 million on these environmental projects -- just in Pennsylvania -- does not reflect the seriousness of our nation's budgetary troubles.
We hope our future leaders can be more realistic about balancing the concerns and priorities that confront our world.