Northeast

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's greenhouse gas emissions have decreased by 19% from 2005-2021. Pennsylvania is known for its abundant fossil fuel resources, particularly natural gas and coal, making it the second largest net-supplier of energy to other states. Renewable energy generated nearly 4% of the state’s electricity in 2022, with more than 40% coming from wind energy.
GHG Reduction Targets
All targets relative to 2005 levels
2025
26%
2050
80%
Governor
Josh Shapiro (Democrat)
House Party
Democratic Majority
Senate Party
Republican Majority
Legislative session
1/2/24 - 11/30/24
US Climate Alliance Status
Member

22

Policies Enacted or In Progress
across 6 policy areas

40

Policy Opportunities
across 6 policy areas

Northeast

9 states
This map shows the occurrence of climate policies passed at the state-level. Higher numbers represent more climate policies enacted.

Progress by Policy Area

  • Enacted
  • In-progress
  • Partially Enacted
  • Not Enacted
Glossary of Terms
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in Pennsylvania

Created in partnership with
Filters
Status Policy Policy Area Policy Category YR Enacted
Enacted
Empty column

Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance 2021
Enacted
Empty column

Climate Change Advisory Committee

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance 2008
Not Enacted
Empty column

Climate bureaucracy consists of dedicated climate offices and staff, interagency working groups, task forces, and other bodies made up of government staff. These bodies are often responsible for writing a state's climate plan and implementing the policies and strategies identified to meet its climate targets.

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance
Enacted
Empty column

26% by 2025 | 80% by 2050

Relative to 2005 levels

Establishing Policies
Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance 2019
Enacted
Empty column

The 2005-2021 Greenhouse Inventory was published in June 2024.

Climate Governance and Equity
Climate Governance 2024
Not Enacted
Empty column

Cumulative impact assessments determine the health and environmental impacts of renewing or granting a permit for certain pollution-generating facilities in environmental justice communities. Increased pollution burdens in communities may result in the permit application being denied.

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity
Enacted
Empty column

Environmental Justice Advisory Board

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity 2021
Enacted
Empty column

PA DEP – Office of Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice Interagency Council

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity 2021
Enacted
Empty column

"Environmental justice areas" are the 20% highest scoring census tracts from PennEnviroScreen, which includes components related to pollution burden, such as environmental exposures and effects, and population characteristics, such as indicators related to health outcomes and socioeconomic factors.

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity 2018
Not Enacted
Empty column

Environmental justice (EJ) community investment requirements help ensure communities most impacted by environmental burdens are benefitting equitably from public programs by requiring a certain percentage of funds and/or benefits from other policies are allocated to EJ communities.

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity
Enacted
Empty column

PennEnviroScreen

Environmental Justice Areas Viewer

Climate Governance and Equity
Environmental Justice and Equity 2023
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition advisory bodies write or advise on a state's just transition plan or report, and make recommendations on ways to support affected workers, communities, and industries. The bodies can consist of all non-government members, or be a mix of government and non-government members.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition funds support initiatives and investments aimed at facilitating the equitable transition of workers and communities affected by shifts in industries or policies that transition from fossil fuels.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition offices and staff assist workers and communities transitioning away from fossil fuel extraction and use, typically through retraining programs and support with relocation and economic diversification. Offices and staff also coordinate with other state agencies to effectively design policy to achieve a just transition.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition
Not Enacted
Empty column

Just transition plans are documents that outline policies and recommendations aimed at supporting communities, workers, and industries affected by the transition away from fossil fuels. The plans often focus on workforce development and retraining, job creation, and economic diversification.

Climate Governance and Equity
Just Transition

The State Climate Policy Dashboard tracks only passed policies and does not include bills currently proposed in legislative sessions. The website is intended to illustrate the current status of policies for each state, as well as key resources and model states for each policy.

Much of the information contained in this database is derived from the public domain, with links to resources provided. The information provided is made available solely for general information purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Click here for full Terms of Use.

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