Advancing Pennsylvania’s Climate Goals

In 2021, Pennsylvania announced its latest Climate Action Plan (PCAP) to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the state. The largest contributor to GHG emissions is Carbon Dioxide, accounting for more than 80% of total GHG emissions. In 2005, Pennsylvania emitted 281.3 million metric tons of CO₂ — a figure used as the baseline for PCAP targets. 

The plan sets ambitious goals: a 26% emissions reduction by 2025 and an 80% reduction by 2050. From 2005 to 2022 (the most recent year of available EIA data), the state achieved a 24.1% reduction — signaling significant on-schedule progress. 

But the long-term target remains challenging. To help close the gap, the state is offering substantial support to the industrial sector through RISE PA — a new grant program funded by the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). RISE PA provides $396 million in available funding for projects that will directly reduce GHG emissions from large-scale Pennsylvania energy users in the industrial sector. 

Application Deadline and Selection Requirements 

The application deadline is August 29, 2025, and selection is based on the projected emissions reductions an applicant can deliver. Projects must target at least a 20% on-site reduction in GHG emissions to be eligible. Additionally, the RISE PA grant is stackable with the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC), improving the financial viability of larger capital investments. 

With a focus on emission reduction, eligible projects are limited to certain criteria.  Qualifying projects may include on-site solar PV systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), large-scale efficiency upgrades, process electrification, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and other innovative carbon-reduction solutions. 

Similarly, there is focus on the industrial sector- thus, only certain industries are eligible.  Qualifying NAICS Codes include: 11 (Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting), 21 (Mining, including Oil and Gas Extraction), 23 (Construction), 31-33 (Manufacturing). 

Time Sensitive Opportunity  

Given current funding levels and uncertainty beyond 2025, industrial electric customers in Pennsylvania may not see a program like this again soon. If you think your operation could benefit, we encourage you to act quickly.  

Learn more at PA.gov or contact our team to discuss how we’re helping clients prepare competitive applications for this limited-time program. 

RISE PA is a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to reduce GHG emissions and co-pollutants from the state’s industrial sector. It provides funding for projects that aim to decarbonize industrial facilities through various methods. The program is funded by the U.S. EPA through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022.  

Deadline: August 29, 2025. 

Links to Sources: 

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: RISE PA Information 

U.S. Energy Inofrmation Administration: State Emission Data Tables 

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