FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 28, 2026
Statement on RISE PA Awards Announcement
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. —— On April 28, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced the first tranche of medium- and large-scale Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) grant award winners. In response, Ohio River Valley Institute Industrial Decarbonization Program Manager Justine Hackimer issued the following statement:
The overwhelming interest in RISE PA shows that Pennsylvanians are ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work on the next chapter of our industrial economy—one that honors our legacy while building a stronger, more competitive future. Cutting industrial emissions isn’t just good for the climate. It’s about protecting good jobs, strengthening local businesses, and keeping our communities healthy.
Modernizing Pennsylvania’s historic steel industry is just one example of what’s possible. For generations, places like the Mon Valley have powered this country, and provided family-sustaining jobs. Our research shows how with the right investments, those same communities can lead again – driving forward a new steelmaking renaissance that supports workers, cleans up the air, and ensures these industries are able to stay at home.
The demand for decarbonization speaks for itself. While this first-of-its-kind program will deliver millions of dollars to Pennsylvania businesses, RISE PA received more than $500 million dollars in funding requests, representing more than $1 billion in shovel-ready projects.
Today’s announcement represents a meaningful step forward, but also highlights the scale of opportunity ahead.
That’s why Pennsylvania should secure a permanent funding source for RISE PA, which would provide the stability manufacturers need to plan, invest, and grow—without leaving communities behind. It would help ensure that Pennsylvania continues to be a place where industry thrives, workers can build a future, and economic growth goes hand-in-hand with clean air and strong neighborhoods.
RISE PA offers grants for decarbonization projects at industrial facilities across Pennsylvania with the aim of reducing the industrial sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) and co-pollutant emissions, which is the highest-emitting sector statewide and accounts for just over 30% of Pennsylvania’s total GHG emissions.
RISE PA has the potential to eliminate millions of tons of GHG emissions, create thousands of good-paying jobs, and increase Pennsylvania’s manufacturing competitiveness. Eligible projects must reduce industrial sector emissions through industrial electrification, efficiency and process emissions reductions, switching to low-carbon fuels, installing on-site renewable energy, utilizing carbon capture and storage, and reducing fugitive emissions from natural gas and oil systems and coal mining.
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