The Shapiro Administration cut climate change-driving emissions, reduced pollution, and invested in clean, reliable energy:
Drew down over $175 million in federal funding to plug over 350 orphaned and abandoned wells, more than in the previous ten years combined, and secured over $29 million in state funding to continue the Commonwealth’s important work of finding and capping these wells.
Recovered $2.1 billion in federal funding that would help plug abandoned wells leaking toxic chemicals, prevent sinkholes, and ensure Pennsylvanians have clean drinking water after filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s unconstitutional freeze.
Secured nearly $400 million in federal funding to create jobs and help Pennsylvania companies tackle industrial pollution.
Made a historic agreement with CNX Resources to publicly disclose all chemicals used in drilling and hydraulic fracturing, conduct intensive air and water quality monitoring around unconventional gas wells and widen setbacks for wells near schools and hospitals to no less than 2,500 feet.
Required natural gas operators in Pennsylvania to be more transparent by publicly disclosing chemicals they use in drilling and hydraulic fracturing earlier in the well development process.
Invested over $3.5 billion in clean water infrastructure through PENNVEST, including replacing over 30,000 lead pipes in thousands of homes and upgrading wastewater treatment centers.
Allocated $100 million in state funding to clean waterways across Pennsylvania.
Secured over $244 million in federal funds annually for projects to clean up abandoned mine lands and protect Pennsylvania communities.
Established the PA PULSE Initiative, which will make the Commonwealth receive 50% of its electricity from 8 solar farms by January 1, 2027. This is expected to reduce Pennsylvania’s carbon footprint by 157,800+ metric tons of CO2 annually.
- Governor Shapiro elected Chair of Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Governors and Premiers to lead 8 states and 2 Canadian provinces in protecting waterways and strengthening trade.
- Governor Shapiro elected Chair of Chesapeake Bay Executive Council to lead waterway restoration efforts for the first time in 20 years, building on the Commonwealth’s accelerated progress to restore local waters and implement a new, long-term cleanup strategy.
Gov. Shapiro’s Administration invested in clean, reliable, and affordable energy, creating good-paying jobs while addressing climate change:
With the support of the Shapiro Administration, Pennsylvania was the only state to secure two regional clean hydrogen hub projects, which would create more than 41,000 good-paying jobs and build a clean energy industry.
Secured $156 million in federal funds to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable solar power to low-income Pennsylvanians and environmental justice communities, which is estimated to benefit more than 14,000 Pennsylvania households.
Established the Solar for Schools Program and allocated $50 million in state funding for grants to help school districts fund and install solar panels – saving the districts money and creating good-paying jobs.
Secured $171.5 million in federal funds for electric vehicle charging infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth and Pennsylvania was one of the first states to open its first EV charging station completed through the federal program. Pennsylvania has already constructed 30 charging stations, leading the nation in stations built using NEVI funds.
Signed legislation into law creating a regulatory framework to allow Pennsylvania industries to remove carbon dioxide and either recycle the carbon or store it underground to reduce the impact on the atmosphere.
- Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania is restarting operations at Unit 1 on Three Mile Island, converting former coal-fired power plants into modern natural gas facilities, and adding approximately five gigawatts of new generation to the regional grid.
The Shapiro Administration invested in Pennsylvania’s public lands and outdoor recreation industry:
Signed legislation repealing Pennsylvania’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting, which delivered real freedom for Pennsylvania’s 850,000 licensed hunters, empowered the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to expand Sunday hunting opportunities, and strengthened wildlife conservation efforts.
Governor Shapiro appointed to serve a two-year term as the new Democratic Co-Chair of the Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus (GSC) — one of three caucus programs under the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF).
Delivered $228 million to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to complete infrastructure improvements across Pennsylvania’s public lands.
Opened Laurel Caverns State Park in Fayette County, Pennsylvania’s 125th state park and first subterranean state park in Commonwealth history.
Launched Pennsylvania’s Office of Outdoor Recreation and provided $2.8 million to support the new office in order to better promote an industry that accounts for 176,700 jobs and $20.5 billion annually in the Commonwealth’s economy.
Invested $82 million in grants to nearly 300 projects across the Commonwealth to expand recreation opportunities, conserve natural spaces, and revitalize communities.
Supported establishing a national marine sanctuary in Lake Erie, which would protect the natural and historic resources in a 740-square-mile area.
Improved Pennsylvania’s portion of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed to its highest health grade in the last 22 years, marking significant progress in Pennsylvania’s efforts to clean up the Susquehanna River and beyond.
The Shapiro Administration held polluters accountable for excessive air and water contamination.
- Secured a $10 million agreement with Shell Chemicals for excessive air contamination, with $6.2 million earmarked for Western Pennsylvania’s environmental, health, and quality of life projects.
- Reached a $100 million settlement with Monsanto for contaminating 1,300 miles of streams and 3,600 acres of lakes with hazardous PCB waste—and $8 million will be spent in communities directly impacted by the spread of PCBs.