Energy coalition expands with new member partner

Energy Future PA announced on Monday that the continued growth of the statewide coalition with new partner member Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC).

Energy Future PA is a nonpartisan coalition of independent organizations that supports energy solutions to help meet the nation’s future energy needs and bolster reliability of the nation’s power grid, including renewables and low-to-zero carbon fuel sources such as clean hydrogen, nuclear energy and carbon capture and storage technologies, it said in a release.

“For more than 50 years, PEC has built a well-earned reputation as a trusted, nonpartisan voice for protecting and restoring the environment through partnerships and collaboration,” said Kate Harper, co-chair of Energy Future PA. “We welcome PEC as a partner in our shared goal of securing Pennsylvania’s energy leadership in a new decarbonized economy that puts Pennsylvania workers, families and communities first.”

Founded in 1970, PEC is a statewide voice in environmental programs and policy, with offices in Pittsburgh, State College, Philadelphia and northeastern Pennsylvania. The organization said that collaboration, innovation and partnership are core planks of the organization’s mission, making it a natural fit for Energy Future PA.

“Whether it’s expansion of renewable generation, energy storage, clean hydrogen for hard to abate sectors, carbon capture technology and next generation nuclear energy, or the advancement of state policies that increase decarbonized power generation, we believe we have a strong partner in Energy Future PA,” said Tom Gilbert, president of PEC. “This is a pivotal moment for Pennsylvania, and we need to get it right. We need to advance bipartisan solutions that transition Pennsylvania to a zero-carbon economy while also protecting and strengthening communities. We can do it, if we work together.”

PEC joins a growing roster of Energy Future PA partner members. Founded in late 2022, the coalition partner members represent environmental advocacy, labor, business and industry, and higher education.

Partners include Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry, IBEW Local 654, PDC Machines, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, Penn State College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, and Steamfitters Local 420.

“Pennsylvania is uniquely poised to lead the way in a new decarbonized economy, but we need a strategy that focuses on partnerships and innovation,” said former U.S. Congressman Conor Lamb, recently appointed co-chair of Energy Futures PA. “Our growing coalition sends a strong signal to policy leaders in Harrisburg and Washington that common-sense energy policy can and should cross party lines. By working together, with a broad array of voices at the table, Pennsylvania can secure its rightful place as a national and global energy leader.”

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