Pennsylvania would be wise to look to their neighbors in New York regarding renewables.

Earlier this month, state Gov. Josh Shapiro announced what he considered a commonsense energy plan while kicking off a new era of energy leadership to create nearly 15,000 energy jobs, lower electricity costs for Pennsylvanians, take real action to address climate change, and maintain Pennsylvania’s energy independence.

Since the announcement, industry, labor, and government leaders have all praised the commitment to bringing people together to build on Pennsylvania’s long legacy of energy leadership by protecting and creating energy jobs and lowering electricity costs for consumers. On top of that, environmental leaders from across the Commonwealth and country have joined the broad coalition supporting the plan.

Hopefully, leaders also understand a need to maintain a mix that includes the traditional batch of electricity suppliers that include fossil fuels and nuclear. New York’s push away from these generators add to a reliance on power being imported, which drives up the cost and creates concern if the grid is at high levels.

“Gov. Shapiro’s proposal should help jump start conversations in Harrisburg about how best to bring clean energy’s massive economic and jobs benefits to Pennsylvania, said Nick Bibby, Pennsylvania State Lead for Advanced Energy United. “Advanced Energy United applauds Gov. Shapiro for issuing his proposal, and we look forward to working with his administration and legislators to ensure Pennsylvania enacts a policy that works for deploying clean energy in the Commonwealth.”

Shapiro is correct in his stance on keeping some independence with power. But leaders also need to go slow in terms of renewable energy. We have seen first hand how rushing into solar and wind can create concerns and criticism regarding placement and the return on investment.

Renewables need to be part of the energy plan. But there also cannot be an over-reliance on them..