Pennsylvania Ranks 47th Nationally in Renewable Energy Growth Since 2016
New report shows Pennsylvania generates just 5% of electricity from renewables while ranking near bottom nationally in clean energy growth.
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA — Pennsylvania lags behind most states in transitioning to renewable energy sources, ranking 47th nationally in adding wind, solar, and geothermal power to its electric grid since 2016, according to a new environmental report.
The analysis by PennEnvironment found that Pennsylvania generates only about 5 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, while natural gas accounts for approximately half the state’s power generation, according to federal data.
“That’s a pretty abysmal ranking,” said Belle Sherwood, a clean energy advocate for PennEnvironment. “Since we’ve been releasing this report, Pennsylvania has pretty much been stagnant in the bottom five.”
Western States Lead in Renewable Adoption
The report reveals a stark contrast between Pennsylvania and western states that have embraced renewable energy. South Dakota leads the nation with 95 percent of its electricity coming from renewables, primarily wind power.
Most states with the highest renewable energy usage are located west of the Mississippi River, highlighting a regional divide in clean energy adoption across the United States.
Outdated Standards Hinder Progress
Sherwood attributed Pennsylvania’s poor performance to insufficient governmental support for clean energy initiatives. The state’s alternative energy portfolio standards, which establish benchmarks for renewable energy on the grid, were created in 2004 and have remained largely unchanged.
“Pennsylvania continues to not embrace the benefits both economic and environmental of clean energy, like wind and solar,” Sherwood said.
While other states have implemented more aggressive renewable energy standards over the past two decades, Pennsylvania has maintained its original targets from 2004, contributing to its stagnant position in national rankings.
The PennEnvironment analysis shows that despite some growth in solar energy within the state, Pennsylvania’s overall renewable energy expansion has failed to keep pace with national trends. The continued reliance on natural gas for electricity generation reflects the state’s fossil fuel-dependent energy infrastructure.
Environmental advocates argue that Pennsylvania’s approach to energy policy has prevented the state from capitalizing on both the economic opportunities and environmental benefits associated with renewable energy development that other states have successfully pursued.
