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.
The Wolf Administration estimates joining Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will raise about $300 million in the first year by charging power plants for their carbon emissions. Republicans say it will devastate coal communities.
