Former President Joe Biden made a major push to promote green energy policies, packing his so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” with some $400 billion in new spending on EV mandates and solar subsidies.
But when pollsters recently asked Pennsylvania voters how much of their own money they were willing to fork over in the fight against climate change, the vast majority said “zero.”
“How much money would you personally be willing to spend out of your own pocket each year to help combat climate change?” pollsters asked, and 63 percent of respondents said they are unwilling to pay any additional costs. Another 11 percent would pay up to $99 more per year, and 18 percent said they would go as high as $499. (An affluent 8 percent said they’re prepared to pay $500 or more.)
The findings are from a poll released by the Commonwealth Foundation, which also found that two-thirds of the state was unaware that a double-digit electricity rate increase took effect on June 1.
That is problematic, given that 65 percent said they are already concerned about paying for their family’s energy needs.
The poll also found:
78 percent of Pennsylvanians report experiencing increased energy bills over the past two years;
76 percent worry about the future availability of affordable energy within the state;
And 77 percent support expanding natural gas infrastructure in Pennsylvania to “ease the strain on our electrical grid, reduce emissions, and lower energy costs.”
“Amid skyrocketing electricity rates and a cost-of-living crisis, voters are demanding access to more affordable energy,” said Erik Telford, Commonwealth Foundation’s senior vice president of public affairs. “Unfortunately, elected officials in Harrisburg are ignoring these concerns, with Gov. Josh Shapiro and House Democrats advancing reckless climate policies expected to impose alarming increases in energy costs on Pennsylvania families.”
Shapiro spokesman Manuel Bonder pushed back.
“Gov. Shapiro is laser-focused on getting stuff done and taking real action to lower Pennsylvanians’ energy costs through his commonsense, all-of-the-above energy plan to build more power in the commonwealth, create a more reliable, affordable energy grid, and position the commonwealth to continue to be a national energy leader for decades to come. Independent studies have shown that if passed into law, the governor’s plan will save Pennsylvanians millions on their energy bills while creating billions of dollars in energy investment.”
Recently, the state House passed two components of Shapiro’s energy plan, dubbed the “Lightning Plan.” The legislation includes the Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Tax Credit, which was established in 2022 but hasn’t been used, leaving billions in potential economic development untapped. The House also passed the Community Energy Act, permitting farmers and low-income Pennsylvanians to share energy resources to reduce costs.
“That’s why – despite the bad faith rhetoric from special interest groups that would prefer the status quo – the governor’s plan is supported by a broad coalition of leaders from the energy industry organizations, labor and environmental groups, and consumer advocates,” Bonder said. “These bills have already begun to move forward in the legislature with bipartisan support. The Shapiro administration is working with our legislative partners to get these bills to the governor’s desk to secure the commonwealth’s energy future.”
While electric providers in some parts of the state increased rates by double digits, PECO said its customers won’t see such steep hikes. PECO serves most people in the Delaware Valley.
According to PECO, the electricity supply portion of the bill increased by 5.65 percent, resulting in an average monthly payment of $8 more. The natural gas supply part rose 4.6 percent, adding an additional $5.50 a month. That reflects PECO’s cost, and no extra charges are included, she said. The delivery portion of the bill did not rise.
DVJournal readers took to social media to express their doubts.
“I have neither heard nor seen any explanation or justification for this from the Shapiro administration,” said Carl Blankemeyer. “Disgraceful.”
“Death by a thousand cuts for small businesses,” said Kristen Ann.
Charles McCartney said, “I think it’s atrocious what we pay in this state for everything! I can’t wait to move.”
John Ostapkovich said, “I subscribe to a green energy only plan. The state had nothing to do with it.”
