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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Hornaman |
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HARRISBURG, March 12 – Rep. John Hornaman, D-Erie, said the state House passed legislation this week that would establish a Clean Energy Program to promote clean and alternative energy production in Pennsylvania and to help consumers become more energy efficient and reduce their energy costs.
"As a continuous advocate for Pennsylvania's energy independence, I am very pleased that Special Session House Bill 1 has passed the House," Hornaman said. "As a co-sponsor of this bill, I am especially proud of this action and will continue to push for energy independence for Pennsylvania and, ultimately, stable energy prices for customers."
Hornaman said Pennsylvania consumers and power-generating utilities would have more tools under the program to cut energy bills through conservation and investment in alternative energy.
The legislation would invest in the Commonwealth through:
- $106 million in venture capital – matched dollar-for-dollar by private funds – to attract cutting-edge energy firms to the state;
- $500 million to improve infrastructure and attract private investment in alternative energy generation and energy conservation; and
- $244 million in rebates and loans for Energy Star certified home improvements and Energy Star certified efficient appliance purchases, as well as for “Sunshine Grants” to promote the use of solar power.
The Clean Energy Program would be funded by revenues from the gross receipts tax consumers already pay on their electric bill. It would promote low-pollution, state-based energy generation and investments to reduce the Commonwealth’s dependence on Middle East oil and other traditional energy sources. Hornaman said the program is also expected to create more than 13,000 jobs in Pennsylvania.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
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