The study found that Allegheny County would be the third biggest beneficiary in the country, with an estimated 87 fewer deaths per year by 2030. Pennsylvania would have 580 fewer deaths.
The Wolf administration hopes to join the cap-and-trade program in early 2022. DEP estimates it will prevent 97-227 million tons of carbon emissions from power plants through 2030 and raise $131-187 million annually.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative could raise electric rates, but only by about $43 per year. Pa. could raise $3.5 billion through RGGI over 9 years.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm discusses how coal and gas communities could gain jobs as a result of climate action, as the country moves to renewables.
The coal-fired power plant is one of Allegheny County's top 10 single sources of air pollution. The company cited higher costs of environmental compliance and "unfavorable economic conditions."
