Pa. Senate Fails to Override Governor’s Veto

April 5, 2022, Harrisburg, Pa. — Monday, the Pennsylvania Senate failed to override Gov. Tom Wolf’s January veto of SCR 1, the concurrent resolution rejecting the state’s entrance into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The Senate voted 32-17, one vote shy of the requisite two-thirds needed.

RGGI is a controversial compact that imposes a carbon tax on electricity production. While other states joined with the approval of their respective legislators, Wolf has unilaterally pushed for Pennsylvania’s entrance into RGGI.

Recent testimony by the Independent Fiscal Office showed that the new carbon tax would gross $781 million in state revenue and result in electricity price increases.

“The Senate vote yesterday was to determine whether Wolf can unilaterally impose an $800 million carbon tax that will cause families’ electric bills to jump by 30%,” said Senior Vice President of Commonwealth Foundation Nathan Benefield. “Unfortunately, for working families across Pennsylvania, despite bipartisan opposition, Wolf can proceed with his unilateral tax and spend program.”

Commonwealth Foundation experts are available for comment. Please contact Stefanie Mason at [email protected] or 414-418-5132 to schedule an interview. 

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