State launches initiative to create energy jobs, grow economy

Seeking to create energy jobs, cut costs, grow energy and manufacturing Industries, and lower air pollution, the Shapiro Administration has launched the Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA) program. 

“My administration is taking real action to create energy jobs and grow our economy – and today, our natural gas companies, mines, and industrial manufacturers can apply for this commonsense initiative that will help them continue growing their operations while reducing costs and air pollution in our communities,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a statement. 

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) opened the RISE PA program Wednesday and is accepting grant applications from companies that own industrial facilities, mines, and natural gas infrastructure for projects that will create up to 6,000 jobs and reduce air pollution in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Nearly $400 million is available for projects that reduce air pollution from industrial facilities and create jobs.

“This program is going to create good paying union jobs, make Pennsylvania more competitive in global markets, and lead to cleaner air for us to breathe. It’s a commonsense program that improves the economy and the environment,” DEP Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley said. “Pennsylvania has a long industrial history, and this program is going to write the next chapter of it – more jobs, stronger communities, and cleaner air.” 

Grants will be accepted through Aug. 29, 2025, at 11:59 pm. The first awards will be announced in Fall 2025. 

RISE PA is aimed at creating thousands of jobs in construction and manufacturing. The $396 million program is for projects to reduce energy costs and air pollution from industrial facilities. RISE PA program is funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as part of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. 

Eligible initiatives could include installing energy-efficient heat recovery systems to reduce the energy required to heat or cool an industrial facility, electrifying an industrial plant by swapping out diesel-powered generators with equipment that runs on electricity, and capturing coal mine methane from mining operations.  

Prospective projects will satisfy the following criteria: 

• Benefit communities near industrial sites that have higher rates of toxic air pollution. 

• Achieve greenhouse gas emission reductions that are long-lasting and certain. 

• Incorporate high labor standards, emphasize job quality, and support equitable workforce development. 

“Through RISE PA, we will offer grants for companies working to make their operations more efficient, creating thousands of good-paying construction and manufacturing jobs in the process. This investment will help us reduce toxic air pollution, invest in our energy sector, and continue Pennsylvania’s legacy of energy leadership,” said Shapiro.