RGGI argued before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court
- The Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard arguments in July 2024 about whether the state can join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative .
- The case arose after the Commonwealth Court ruled in November 2023 that RGGI fees on power generators are an unauthorized tax requiring legislative approval.
- The Department of Environmental Protection argued that these fees are regulatory charges under its authority to control air pollution and not taxes, while opponents say the DEP overstepped its power.
- Supporters claim RGGI has reduced emissions significantly and generated billions for clean energy investments, but critics warn it threatens jobs and increases energy costs, with debates focusing on whether the charges are fees or taxes.
- The court’s decision will determine if Pennsylvania’s executive branch can implement RGGI without legislative approval, affecting future climate policy and economic impacts in the state.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Pennsylvania Supreme Court hears case regarding Chester Water Authority assets
After a three-year wait, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Wednesday heard the case about who actually owns the Chester Water Authority assets. On one side, the Chester Water Authority and Chester County argued the position that the nine-member board representing member Delaware and Chester counties and the city of Chester have the authority to determine the fate of the assets. The city of Chester maintained the city started the authority and ca…
Lawyers Spar Over Whether Pennsylvania Agency Has Authority to Issue Carbon Allowances to Power Plants - Inside Climate News
Before Pennsylvania’s high court, the state defends efforts to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Foes say the plan is an illegal tax.By Jon HurdlePennsylvania’s highest court heard arguments over whether the state’s proposed membership of an interstate agreement to curb carbon emissions from power plants is invalidated by being a tax not authorized by the legislature.

Pa. justices ask in oral arguments: Is RGGI a tax, a fee, or something completely different?
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court July, 2024 (Jen Barker Worley/ Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts)The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative could put fossil fuel-burning power plants out of business and significantly increase energy costs for consumers, electricity producers and Republican opponents of the program said Tuesday in state Supreme Court. They argued the state Department of Environmental Protection overstepped its authority and…
Pennsylvania Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments re RGGI Carbon Tax - Marcellus Drilling News
Yesterday, the seven members of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court (five Democrats and two Republicans) heard oral arguments in a lawsuit that attempts to force PA to accept the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), an obscene carbon tax on coal- and gas-fired power plants. Former Democrat Governor Tom Wolf tried to force the state to join...
State Supreme Court hears arguments over Pa.’s membership in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative requires fossil fuel burning power plants to pay for carbon dioxide emissions. But is it a tax or a fee? The post State Supreme Court hears arguments over Pa.’s membership in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative appeared first on The Allegheny Front.
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