DMI Companies: “RGGI will add clean energy jobs, boost the economy”

As COO and a senior manager of our business, I applaud Gov. Tom Wolf for his continued support of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Despite the misinformation around the program, RGGI is simply a cap-and-invest mechanism that allows the market to determine the most efficient and innovative ways to reduce pollution. The proceeds it generates from carbon auctions are invested into projects that support local clean energy jobs and help residents and businesses save money.

I can tell you first-hand that investments in clean energy create jobs for companies like mine. We manufacture a myriad of high-efficiency HVAC products such as ductwork and ducting components right here in southwestern Pennsylvania, and when demand for our products grows, so too does our local workforce. In fact, in just the last three years, we’ve grown by 15% as a result of forward-thinking policies by the Pennsylvania Legislature that encouraged residents and businesses to become more energy efficient. RGGI will only help grow that market.

We don’t have to wonder if RGGI will boost the economy, as 10 other states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic have already blazed a path. The GDP of these states has grown by 47%, outpacing growth in the rest of the country by 31%. Furthermore, RGGI states have generated $3.2 billion in allowance auction proceeds, half of which has been invested into energy efficiency.

Pennsylvania’s businesses can’t afford to miss out on the opportunity RGGI represents. Invested into energy efficiency, RGGI proceeds will lead to more jobs and widespread energy savings, which multiply throughout communities. Energy efficiency investments are a win-win-win that will ensure that the Regional Greenhouse Gas initiative delivers not only less pollution, but more jobs, more savings, and a stronger economy for Pennsylvania.

DOUG GUDENBURR
Chief Operating Officer
DMI Companies
Charleroi