An Act establishing the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Program; imposing powers and duties on the Environmental Quality Board, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection; and establishing the Consumer Protection Account, the Pennsylvania Energy Transformation Account, the Workforce Enhancement Fund, the Workforce Enhancement Fund Board and the Low-Income Support Account.

This bill creates the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Program, a state-run cap-and-invest system designed to limit carbon dioxide emissions from power plants while generating revenue for the state. The program will require electricity generators with a capacity of 25 megawatts or more to purchase emission allowances at auctions, with proceeds directed into specific funds for energy transformation, workforce development, and low-income support. Key provisions include strict oversight by the Department of Environmental Protection, an independent audit of each auction to prevent market manipulation, and a ban on Pennsylvania's participation in other regional carbon markets once this program is active. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the state review the emission budget to ensure it balances environmental goals with impacts on jobs, consumer costs, and vulnerable communities.