Renewable energy sources. Less dependence on foreign oil. Energy efficiency at a lower cost. Tax breaks for your car, home or business. All are part of the Energy Strategy House Democrats introduced earlier this year to invest in the state’s economy while protecting consumers and the environment.
Now, we are proud to bring you an even stronger and more comprehensive plan for the Special Session on Energy that will place full attention on this issue.
Our strategy won’t only save on energy and our environment, it will save
you money. Pushing for initiatives that boost our economy and minimize our
dependence on foreign oil is not only inventive, it’s pure common sense.
For all of those reasons and many more, House Democrats will not rest until
every Pennsylvanian benefits from Energy Independence.
Watch lawmakers discuss plan and get an up-close look at hybrid cars, wind farms and smart meters
Special Session House Bill 1 – Introduced by Rep. Eugene DePasquale
Companies that
produce and conserve energy are setting high standards for others to
follow. Rep. Eugene DePasquale would like to encourage companies to
help further our energy independence by offering them tax credits,
grants and loans.
Special Session House Bill 2 – Introduced by Rep. Mike Gerber
Ethanol, soy and other renewable energy fuels could find Pennsylvanians getting where they need to go at a cheaper and cleaner rate. Rep. Mike Gerber’s bill would create better standards for us to live and drive by.
Special Session House Bill 3 – Introduced by Rep. Camille "Bud" George
Pennsylvania won’t
become energy independent overnight. Rep. Camille "Bud" George
proposes creating the Energy Independence Fund, an $850 million bond
issue that would seed diverse energy and conservation initiatives.
Special Session House Bill 5 – Introduced by Rep. Matt Smith
Tax credits could
make all the difference in keeping rehab or construction projects
environmentally friendly. Rep. Matt Smith’s bill encourages going
green by establishing the High Performance Buildings Tax Credit
program.
Special Session House Bill 6 – Introduced by Rep. Joe Preston
Rep. Joe Preston wants to reward environmentally conscious consumers by waiving the sales and use tax for anyone who purchases an energy-saving vehicle.
Special Session House Bill 7 – Introduced by Rep. Daylin Leach
Under Rep. Daylin Leach’s proposed Electricity Meter Lending Program, you could find out exactly how much energy your appliances use. Run by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, the program would give grants to libraries so that you could go and borrow an electricity meter to test your appliances.
Special Session House Bill 8 – Introduced by Rep. Daylin Leach
Energy-saving light bulbs use at least two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and provide the same amount of light, cut energy costs and help with home cooling. Rep. Daylin Leach’s bill would exempt the purchase of these bulbs from the state sales tax in order to promote energy efficiency.
Special Session House Bill 9 – Introduced by Rep. Eugene DePasquale
Rep. Eugene DePasquale has a proposal that would enable many citizens and small business owners to utilize alternative energy, which would otherwise be out of their financial reach. Under his bill, taxpayers would get a tax credit for using alternative energy sources such as wind power, geothermal energy and more for at least 50 percent of their property’s energy expenditure.
Special Session House Bill 10 – Introduced by Rep. Eugene DePasquale
In today’s do-it-yourself world, homeowners are always on the lookout for ways to keep costs down to flip a house or make upgrades. Rep. Eugene DePasquale says certain materials should be exempt from the sales and use tax because they save energy and are better for the environment. Under his bill, materials from skylights to furnaces would be exempt from the tax.
Special Session House Bill 11 – Introduced by Rep. Cherelle Parker
Need a vacation from expensive appliances and the bills they run up? Rep. Cherelle Parker is offering a tax holiday where twice a year, you don’t have to pay the sales and use tax on Energy Star appliances for your home like air conditioners, ceiling fans, refrigerators, washers/dryers and dishwashers.
Special Session House Bill 12 – Introduced by Rep. Eugene DePasquale
Want to make your home more energy-efficient without breaking the bank? Under Rep. Eugene DePasquale’s bill, rebates would be available to consumers who buy more energy-efficient products like air conditioners and refrigerators.
Special Session House Bill 13 – Introduced by Rep. Lisa Bennington
Rep. Lisa Bennington has introduced legislation to update the Alternative Energy Portfolio Act of 2004 by extending the program until 2025 and increasing the percentage of alternative energy required to be supplied to 25 percent.
Special Session House Bill 14 – Introduced by Rep. Daylin Leach
Wouldn’t it be nice to reduce the cost of your bills while helping the environment? Rep. Daylin Leach would like to see incentives offered to Pennsylvania homeowners for installing solar energy systems for heating, cooling, hot water and electric.
Special Session House Bill 15 – Introduced by Rep. Chris King
Rep. Chris King says that the state needs to establish minimum energy efficiency standards for selected commercial and residential products sold or installed in Pennsylvania.
Special Session House Bill 16 – Introduced by Rep. Chris King
Rep. Chris King
believes a State Energy Office is needed to learn more about
Pennsylvania’s energy resources. His legislation would create a
cabinet-level office placing the governor at the helm.
Special Session House Bill 17 – Introduced by Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith
In the market for a new vehicle? Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith hopes to make the purchase of hybrid electric vehicles and fuel efficient vehicles more alluring by excluding their purchase price from the sales and use tax.
