Letters to the Editor: Other states are taking advantage of Pa. for solar, wind power

Pa. at disadvantage in solar, wind power

It’s record-breaking hot today (June 23) and PJM, the electric grid operator in our area, is presently getting less than 8% of its power from solar plants and less than 2% from wind farms.  That’s not because power generation companies don’t care about the environment; Texas is presently generating about 30% of its electricity from solar and wind. It’s because we live in a low-wind region, and latitude matters for solar power. The message is that we should do what we can, where and when we can; the laws of physics trump ideological purity.

That didn’t stop Maryland from passing in 2022 the Climate Solutions Now Act, which mandates a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2031 and net-zero emissions by 2045.  How can they do this?  Easy — shut down their generation stations and build new transmission lines to draw power from evil old Pennsylvania, which continues to burn coal, oil and natural gas in great quantities. This creates shortages, which drive up the cost of power, allowing Pennsylvanians to share with Marylanders the virtuous thrill of paying high electric bills. Thanks, greenies.

Don Lock

Bethlehem Township

Congress should invoke war powers

I respectfully urge Congress to invoke the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and fully assume its constitutional responsibilities regarding acts of war.

Even during the lead-up to the Iraq War, President George W. Bush presented a case — albeit flawed — through Secretary of State Colin Powell to both the American people and the United Nations. Today, we are witnessing echoes of that moment. As history has shown, there were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, despite the assurances made at the time.

Now, there are similar claims being made about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Before any further steps are taken, we, the people — and the world — deserve to see clear, independently verified evidence. The consequences of military action are profound, and decisions of such magnitude must be grounded in truth and made with full congressional oversight, as required by the Constitution.

Please stand up for democratic accountability and ensure that any move toward conflict is subject to open debate, scrutiny and public transparency.

Mark Bushek

Upper Milford Township

Is history repeating itself?

It is said if we don’t learn from our past mistakes, history will repeat itself. I am old enough to remember World War II and I feel that history is repeating itself when I see masked, armed men abducting people off the street because of the way they look, or because they are using their First Amendment right of free speech. This was how the Gestapo operated in Germany. Is this country turning into a dictatorship, run by self-serving  politicians and billionaires? Please, no matter what political party you are in favor of, let us exercise our humanity, use common sense and human dignity  to treat each other as people with rights as outlined in the Constitution. If you are upset with the way things are going, write, email or call your local elected officials and let your voice and concerns be known. You have heard that for evil to exist requires good men to do nothing. Many prayers for this country.

Palma Moyer

Richland Township

Keep clean energy tax credits

Andrew Seidman’s article in the June 22 edition of The Morning CalI explained it well. If Congress repeals or quickly phases out clean energy tax credits in the reconciliation bill before the Senate, it would hurt the economy and consumers in Pennsylvania and nationwide. That risks losing $1.3 billion in private investment and thousands of good paying jobs in Pennsylvania alone.

Sen. John Fetterman already said he is opposed to the bill. Sen. Dave McCormick should also reject the Trump agenda and support good business and energy policy by voting not to repeal these valuable credits that are delivering real economic value and are good for the country and good for the environment.

U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie initially signed a letter, along with 20 other house Republicans, to the chair of the Ways and Means Committee calling for the preservation of the clean energy tax credits in the House bill. Yet, when it came to a floor vote, he caved and voted to eliminate them.

Tax credits spur investment in a wide range of projects by allowing businesses to plan for the long term. These credits also help reduce our greenhouse gas pollution, cut energy costs and inspire technological innovation.

I urge Sen. McCormick to do what is right for Pennsylvania

John Gallagher

Bethlehem Township

Trump violates inauguration promise

In his inauguration speech Jan. 20, 2025, President Trump stated, “We will measure our success not only by the battles we win but also by the wars we end — and perhaps most importantly by the wars we never get into.” Based on this assessment and the recent bombing of Iran, success is rapidly slipping away from this administration.

Beverly Springer

Emmaus

Alzheimer’s research needs funding

I write to thank U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie for hearing from Alzheimer’s Association advocates during our recent visit to Washington. We appreciated the opportunity to share our stories and the urgent need for congressional action to address the Alzheimer’s crisis.

More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and there are over 12 million family caregivers. Families across the country are struggling with the emotional, physical and financial toll of the disease. That’s why we’re asking Congressman Mackenzie to co-sponsor the ASAP Act and the AADAPT Act — two bipartisan bills that would help improve care and expand access to diagnosis.

We also urge him to continue supporting strong federal funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Every dollar invested brings us closer to breakthroughs that could change — and save — millions of lives. Together, we can make a real difference for those living with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.

Pam Haas

Lynn Township

The Morning Call publishes letters from readers online and in print several times a week. Submit a letter to the editor at letters@mcall.com. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.