Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania ranks seventh in industrial emissions. Its emissions profile reflects its long history of energy production. Underground coal mines and petroleum and natural gas systems are responsible for more than a third of industrial emissions. Production of metals (primarily steel making) and minerals (primarily cement and lime production) account for a third of emissions. Steelmaking and coal mining are rooted in Western Pennsylvania. North of Philadelphia, the Lehigh Valley is a center of cement and lime production.
- This map shows the top 20 emitters, coded by industrial sector. The size of the circles corresponds to emissions: the larger the circle, the higher the emissions.
- Disadvantaged communities (as determined by the federal government) are shaded blue.
- The inner circle provides a visual representation of the share of emissions generated by each industrial sector.
- The outer circle also indicates the share of a sector’s emissions generated in disadvantaged communities.
Climate pollution reduction grants
In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency selected Pennsylvania as a recipient of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants. The entire anticipated award amount of $396 million is dedicated to reducing emissions from the industrial sector, which accounts for nearly a third of the Commonwealth’s total emissions. The program is known as RISE PA, Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions. Pennsylvania will use the award to create a competitive statewide grant program for industrial facilities of all sizes. RISE PA is expected to unleash well over one billion in investment in industrial modernization and aims to reduce Pennsylvania’s industrial emissions by 10 percent.
Examples of recently enacted legislation
In 2024, SB 831 established the legal and regulatory framework for potential carbon dioxide capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) in Pennsylvania. CCUS will allow vital Pennsylvania industries to remove carbon dioxide and either recycle or store it. Building out a regulatory framework for carbon capture is also a crucial element of the hydrogen hub located partially in Western Pennsylvania and will help to protect and create energy jobs. Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) emphasized that Pennsylvania is uniquely qualified to develop a vast CCUS network, thanks to its robust energy industry and extensive geological formations.
Explore more recent legislation in Pennsylvania and all 50 states by clicking here.