Pennsylvania Supreme Court Hears Arguments on RGGI Constitutionality

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is currently hearing arguments regarding the state's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a carbon emissions program initiated by Governor Tom Wolf via executive order in 2022. The program requires fossil fuel power plants to purchase allowances for carbon dioxide emissions, but opponents argue it acts as an unconstitutional tax imposed without legislative approval, potentially raising electricity costs and harming jobs. In 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvania's entry into RGGI requires legislation passed by the General Assembly rather than executive action, a decision Governor Josh Shapiro has appealed. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and other Republicans criticize RGGI as detrimental to the state's economy and energy production, while environmental groups support the program, emphasizing its alignment with pollution control laws and climate goals. The Supreme Court's forthcoming decision will determine whether Pennsylvania can remain in RGGI and shape the future of the state's energy and environmental policies. This legal dispute centers on the balance between executive authority and legislative power in setting energy regulations.