Pennsylvania releases climate action plan
Friday, September 24, 2021
In order to achieve its climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Pennsylvania needs to start implementing changes now, according to the leaders of several state agencies.
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell announced the Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan 2021 in a joint press conference with the state’s agriculture, transportation and conservation and natural resources secretaries on Sept. 22.
The new climate action plan outlined 18 actions that would help the state meet Gov. Tom Wolf’s goals to reduce emissions 26% by 2025 and 80% by 2050, compared with 2005 levels. Additionally, it recommended ways the state can adapt to the impacts of climate change already being experienced.
Learn more: Farm and Dairy > Pennsylvania unveils plan to reduce emissions, adapt to climate change
Leave a Comment
Marcellus & Utica Shale Well Map
Additional Shale Maps
Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.