Industrial Decarbonization: Sustainable Manufacturing Benefits Pennsylvania’s Economy, Workers and Communities
As we approach the quarter-century mark, industry and energy policy stand at a crossroads: How can Pennsylvania’s vital industrial and manufacturing sector reduce emissions yet continue to thrive well into the 21st century?
Team Pennsylvania recognizes that making progress on this front is not going to be simple, especially for small- and medium-sized manufacturers operating on tight margins. But with significant state and federal resources available, in addition to emerging technologies that are scaling commercially, we believe there is a collaborative path forward for the state to lead and truly carve out a globally recognized position in sustainable manufacturing.
In pursuit of that vision, on October 15, Team Pennsylvania partnered with the Clean Air Task Force (CATF) to host a statewide conversation on industrial decarbonization. This event, held in Pittsburgh at the Energy Innovation Center, brought together perspectives from the US Department of Energy, state agencies, Pennsylvania businesses, environmental and labor organizations to discuss these trends and the opportunities for economic growth driven by lean, community-first business practice. More than 100 leaders from business, labor, academia and the public and private sectors attended.
The event featured a keynote from DOE Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy and Carbon Management Brad Crabtree, who noted, “We’re making real progress on the ground. For greater Pittsburgh and the state of Pennsylvania where traditional manufacturing has played such an important historic role, there is greater comfort with this type of development and a broader appreciation of the need for the energy transition to work for everyone. Now, with the path forward much clearer than in the past, and our policy tools much more robust and comprehensive than before, Pennsylvania has the potential to lead our nation’s industrial decarbonization agenda to the benefit of our climate and the region’s economy, workers and communities.”
Sustainable economic development is in the very fiber of our state. Pennsylvania has, from the very beginning when William Penn sold tracts of land to settlers but ensured that fishing rights were equitably negotiated and that Philadelphia would have ample green space to encourage public health, served as America’s workshop. From timber to steel, from refining to manufacturing, the country has relied on the Commonwealth’s natural resources, mature businesses, and experienced workforce when it wants to build big. America’s leading manufacturers are moving to account for fragile supply chains, the growing threat of extreme weather, and pressure from overseas competitors.
“Reducing emissions from the industrial sector is critical to achieve state and national climate goals, drive economic and job growth, and improve public health for communities. As one of the largest energy producers in the country with a legacy of driving American industry forward, Pennsylvania is well positioned to lead in the clean energy transition,” said John Carlson, Senior Northeast Regional Policy Manager at CATF. “We look forward to continuing our work together to expand the clean energy portfolio in the state to reduce emissions and bolster the energy workforce in Pennsylvania.”
The event concluded with Louie Krak, director of the Pennsylvanian Department of Environmental Protection’s Infrastructure Implementation program, who provided greater detail about the PA RISE program. The state will soon being accepting applications for nearly $400 million in federal funding to leverage and accelerate emissions reductions projects in the industrial sector. Krak noted at the outset of his remarks that, “Pennsylvania was one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution, and now, through RISE PA, we have the opportunity to lead the nation in the industrial decarbonization movement.”
To stay competitive in a low-carbon, global economy, Pennsylvania businesses will need support from management, investors and customers to invest in new feedstocks, new processes, and new products to meet higher standards and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Some of these changes will be small, like reducing material waste, investing in energy-efficient lighting and new wiring and insulation. Others will require years of careful planning and large capital investments, like adjusting supply chains, switching fuels, and implementing carbon capture systems. All these changes, however, benefit from public-private partnership.
“Industrial decarbonization is not a solo activity. As an organization focused on collaboration, we were honored to have convened so many tremendous leaders this week in Pittsburgh,” Abby Smith, President & CEO of Team Pennsylvania, said. “Creating economic opportunity across all of Pennsylvania while advancing sustainability and industrial decarbonization will require all of us to work together outside the political fray, where policymakers hear from those who are on the ground building Pennsylvania’s economy and where leaders from across the state’s industries learn from one other.”