The day after he defeated state Senator Douglas V. Mastriano, the new Democratic governor-elect of R-Franklin County, Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, was reminded of the ongoing debate on energy policy in general and fossil fuels in particular. I’m here.
The Center for Caulfield Justice, a nonprofit organization primarily in Washington and Greene counties that focuses on the community and environmental impacts of coal mining, wants Shapiro to hold the oil and gas industry accountable. It demands that the welfare be prioritized. The interests of workers and families over those of shareholders.
The CCJ said Shapiro “will continue to hold polluters accountable through stringent enforcement and permitting that protects the most vulnerable frontline communities while investing in a clean energy future and supporting policies that upgrade care workers.” I need it,” he said.
“The world is experiencing an energy crisis driven by poor policy decisions, a shift to unreliable energy sources, and dependence on other countries,” said Rachel Gleason of the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance. did.
At a time when energy prices are at all-time highs, Mr. Gleason said, “More than ever, we will focus on energy security, boost American manufacturing, and ensure unrestricted access to and confidence in Pennsylvania’s coal. We need to embrace sexuality and resilience.”
Shapiro said in Indiana during the campaign that a balance was needed. He said he would like to “bring all parties together” to discuss energy and environmental issues.
The CCJ called for an end to “corporate subsidies to the fossil fuel industry” and support for the “environmental justice community.”
Includes the boroughs of Indiana, Plumville, Smithburg, Marion Center, Glen Campbell, and the towns of North Mahoning, South Mahoning, East Mahoning, West Mahoning, Banks, and Canoe, as designated by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. .
It also includes the buffer zone around Indiana, which includes parts of White Township. East of Derry Township, Westmoreland County, extending into Burrell Township, Indiana County, just off Blairsville Borrow Line, Kitanning, Ford City, Troy Hill area east of Leachburg, Armstrong County, and Other half-mile buffer zones such as the Vandergrift Environmental Justice Census District in Westmoreland County into Armstrong County.
A DEP spokesperson said last March that Pennsylvania’s participation in a regional greenhouse gas initiative pending in the state’s appeals court would provide an opportunity to help communities affected by the energy transition. rice field. environmental justice community.
In Indiana, Shapiro said, “It’s the wrong choice to have to choose between job dignity and environmental justice,” adding, “Protecting today’s jobs and creating tomorrow’s green energy jobs is the wrong choice.” I can,’ he said.
He said he hopes to “bring all interests around the table, from the energy sector to labor unions to environmental advocates, sit down and come up with new dynamics that protect everyone’s interests.”
In a statement Wednesday, the CCJ said:
Gleeson said Pennsylvania’s coal industry, and the families and communities that depend on it for its continued success, also look forward to working with incoming Gov. Shapiro. He is optimistic that he envisions a rational approach to energy and environmental efficiency that does not harm workers and households in need. ”
