Letter to the editor: RGGI will make Pa. citizens safer
My father is one of millions of Americans suffering from asthma, a condition that worsens with deteriorating air quality caused by climate change. As one of the top five producers of greenhouse gases in the country, Pennsylvania needs to take immediate action to help stop this rising issue.
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) would combat increasing greenhouse emissions by setting pollution caps on power plants. States in the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast involved with RGGI have decreased their carbon emissions and improved air quality significantly. RGGI reduces harmful pollutants in the atmosphere known to cause asthma and many other respiratory diseases.
The safety of our citizens and the environment are at stake. Pennsylvania’s support for RGGI will put it at the front of important climate action and set an example for the whole country, providing cleaner and safer air — which would benefit people like my father.
I would like to thank Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills, for his outspoken support on this initiative, and strongly urge other state leaders to vote “no” on any bill contradicting this important work, including House Bill 637 and Senate Bill 119.
Bhaavna Peri
Squirrel Hill
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