Mission Statement

The Commonwealth Foundation promotes market-driven solutions for energy policy that will benefit all Pennsylvanians. These policies must prioritize reliability, affordability, fairness, competition, and innovation, paving the way for Pennsylvania to embrace all its energy resources and unlock its full economic potential.

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Energy

Consequences of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • September 1, 2021

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a controversial compact designed to tax electricity producers for emitting carbon. The Wolf administration is attempting to join the initiative through regulation in…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Consequences of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)

Energy

Op-Ed: Wolf climate change plan will kill Pa. jobs

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • August 12, 2021

Joining RGGI will hurt our economy. States that participate in the RGGI have seen major decreases in goods manufacturing (down 8.6% from 2007 to 2019) thanks to rising energy costs.

Commentary

Read More: Op-Ed: Wolf climate change plan will kill Pa. jobs

Energy

Governor’s Lone Wolf Approach Leaves Families Wanting

  • May 27, 2021

Throughout his two terms in office, Governor Tom Wolf has showcased his preference to act unilaterally and consistent unwillingness to work with the state legislature. The unprecedented power Wolf has…

Fact Sheet

Read More: Governor’s Lone Wolf Approach Leaves Families Wanting

Energy

Energy Shows Why Regulatory Reform is Key

  • Tirzah Duren
  • December 21, 2020

Right now in Pennsylvania —the second-largest energy-producing state behind Texas— Governor Wolf is using executive action to attempt to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). This interstate…

Commentary

Read More: Energy Shows Why Regulatory Reform is Key

Energy

Op-Ed: Pennsylvania should keep fracking and oil as pro-energy policies

  • Kevin Mooney
  • October 28, 2020

The Keystone State is also the nation’s second-largest producer of natural gas, third-largest producer of coal, 16th-largest producer of crude oil, and third-largest producer of electricity in general, according to…

Commentary

Read More: Op-Ed: Pennsylvania should keep fracking and oil as pro-energy policies

Energy

Lawmakers Fight Wolf on Cap and Trade Plan

  • Kevin Mooney
  • September 10, 2020

Governor Wolf is determined to pull Pennsylvania into a multi-state compact that restricts carbon dioxide emissions and raises the cost of power. But thanks to the natural gas revolution Pennsylvania…

Commentary

Read More: Lawmakers Fight Wolf on Cap and Trade Plan

Energy

5 Ways Carbon Taxes Harm PA

  • Tirzah Duren
  • February 13, 2020

When Governor Wolf announced his decision to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) through executive order this past October, he also sent the message that PA is closed for business. For businesses operating…

Commentary

Read More: 5 Ways Carbon Taxes Harm PA

Energy

Climate Change

  • Gordon Tomb
  • May 30, 2019

For decades state government has imposed subsidies, increased regulation and raised energy costs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These efforts have largely failed to make an impact. On the other…

Memo

Read More: Climate Change

Energy

The State of Natural Gas in Pa.

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • April 3, 2018

Pennsylvania’s regulatory and tax environment is stunting job growth and deterring investment. A decade after the Marcellus Shale boom, lawmakers are still debating how to tax the industry instead of…

Fact Sheet

Read More: The State of Natural Gas in Pa.