In the near future, I will introduce legislation supported by the administration to establish the Pennsylvania Climate Emission Reduction (PACER) Program. PACER will help protect and create energy jobs, lower electricity costs for Pennsylvanians, take tangible action to address climate change, and maintain Pennsylvania’s energy independence.  My bill creates an emissions reduction program that leverages Pennsylvania’s advantages as a major energy producer to reduce climate emissions while also directly lowering prices for Pennsylvanians through an electric bill rebate.
 
Under PACER, decisions will be made exclusively by Pennsylvania—in a way that’s right for Pennsylvanians.  PACER establishes a PA-specific price on carbon emissions, requiring large emitters and out-of-staters to pay their fair share, and will put the savings right back into the pockets of Pennsylvania consumers. PACER will leverage Pennsylvania’s strength as an energy-producing powerhouse to lower electricity bills for our residents.  
 
Along with companion legislation in the Governor’s Lightning Plan, PACER will help protect and create nearly 15,000 energy jobs, lower utility bills for Pennsylvania households, and take real action to address carbon pollution. If passed by the General Assembly, these initiatives will save Pennsylvania ratepayers over $600 million in the first ten years, while generating $11.2 billion in direct investment in clean, reliable energy sources.
 
As the Governor has made abundantly clear, we can’t sit around and do nothing while other states pass us by in the race to diversify our energy sources and create clean, reliable, and affordable energy. 

I hope that you will join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation.