ICYMI: Shapiro Admin. Announces More Than $267 Million in RISE PA Grants | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Johnstown, PA - On Tuesday, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Jessica Shirley visited Johnstown's Gautier Steel Holdings, an employee-owned steel manufacturer, to announce a more than $267 million investment in 31 manufacturing projects across Pennsylvania to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, lower energy costs, and strengthen the Commonwealth's industrial sector.

The projects will save Pennsylvania businesses more than $3.1 million in annual energy costs and reducemore than 1.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent within their first year of implementation.

Here's what Pennsylvania's labor and energy leaders are saying about the Shapiro Administration's investments into the Commonwealth's industrial sector:

Clean Power PA: "Grant awards announced today under the state's RISE PA program signal a major step forward for Pennsylvania's industrial future… [These companies] show that American manufacturing can lead in the global race to produce the materials the world needs, including cleaner steelmaking and other industrial production that is both cost-competitive and resilient. We thank the Shapiro Administration for effectively deploying these federal funds made available through the Inflation Reduction Act. By combining pollution reduction with economic efficiency and workforce and community benefits, RISE PA can help position Pennsylvania as a national leader in modernizing its industrial sector."

Stephen Herzenberg, Economist at the Keystone Research Center: "These awards show what smart industrial policy looks like in practice… By pairing public investment with strong labor standards and community benefits, this program is creating good-paying jobs that workers can raise a family on, cleaning up the air in the neighborhoods nearest these facilities, and positioning Pennsylvania to lead the next generation of American manufacturing rather than watch it move to other states or overseas. Pennsylvania is showing that you do not have to choose between a strong manufacturing economy and clean air. The companies and communities benefiting from these awards are proof that climate action and economic competitiveness go hand in hand."

Amanda Woodrum, Co-Executive Director of ReImagine Appalachia: "These awards are a win for Pennsylvania workers, for the families who live near our industrial facilities, and for the manufacturers who are choosing to modernize right here at home. RISE PA is proof that we can grow good jobs, train local workers for the jobs of the future, clean up the air our kids breathe, and strengthen Pennsylvania's competitive edge all at the same time."

Robert Routh, Pennsylvania Policy Director for Natural Resources Defense Council: "As a major industrial powerhouse, Pennsylvania is setting a strong example by leveraging historic federal funds to invest in modernizing and cleaning up its industrial footprint. Steel and cement are foundational to the clean energy transition, but industrial manufacturing remains extremely emissions intensive. By awarding RISE PA grants to projects that will deploy solar and battery systems, implement energy efficiency retrofits, and electrify industrial processes, Pennsylvania will cut pollution, lower costs, and grow energy jobs."

John Walliser, Senior VP of Legal & Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Environmental Council: "RISE PA puts Pennsylvania at the forefront of industrial innovation, offering a national model for how emissions reductions can support economic competitiveness and deliver benefits for communities. Our state is known all over the world for its industrial heritage, and today we have reason to be even prouder about our stronger and cleaner industrial future."

Here's what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about the Shapiro Administration's work to strengthen the economy and create good paying jobs:

E&E News: Shapiro leverages Biden-era climate funds to cut industrial emissions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Pennsylvania gives out $267M in energy- and emission-saving grants

WTAJ: Gautier Steel wins $2M RISE Pa. grant for clean tech upgrade

WJAC: Shapiro touts $2M RISE PA grant to upgrade Johnstown's Gautier Steel plant

Altoona Mirror: NPC among businesses to receive state DEP funding

FOX 8: Governor Shapiro Visits Johnstown

For a breakdown of the awarded grants, please see here.

To learn more about RISE PA's grant program, please visit the DEP website.