Jul. 22, 2024
HARRISBURG – State. Rep. Jamie Flick (R-Lycoming/Union) commends the recent signing of Senate Bill 831, now
Act 87 of 2024, by Gov. Josh Shapiro, which establishes a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for carbon dioxide capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS) in Pennsylvania.
This legislation, sponsored by Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford/Lycoming/Sullivan/Tioga/Union), is a significant stride toward reducing carbon emissions and securing Pennsylvania’s position as a leader in environmental innovation.
“I am proud to support Sen. Gene Yaw on this legislation,” said Flick. “This is a crucial step towards not only reducing our carbon footprint, but also fostering economic growth through job creation in the construction and industrial sectors. Carbon capture technology offers a unique opportunity to balance environmental responsibility with economic sustainability, benefiting our communities for generations to come.”
Act 87 was approved by the Senate and concurred by the House of Representatives, reflecting bipartisan support for this critical environmental initiative. The bill’s passage ensures that Pennsylvania can now move forward with CCUS projects under state oversight, rather than solely relying on the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Great Plains Institute, using data from a 2009 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources report, estimates that Pennsylvania could store approximately 2.4 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide underground. This storage capacity is equivalent to the greenhouse gases emitted from 517 million gas-powered passenger vehicles annually, according to the EPA.
The legislation has garnered broad support from a diverse coalition, including the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, the Pennsylvania State Building and Construction Trades Council, the Allegheny-Fayette County Labor Council, the Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades Council, the AFL-CIO, and numerous other labors, environmental groups and industry representatives.
Representative Jamie Flick
83rd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Huntre Keip
717.772.9837
Hkeip@pahousegop.com
RepFlick.com