Inside Harrisburg

by state Rep. Dan Frankel

Pa. House moving forward on energy independence

            The price of gasoline is again over $3 per gallon, crude oil has recently approached a record $100 per barrel, and Pennsylvania’s caps on electricity rates expire in less than three years.

            In addition, our economy and national security are put at ongoing risk by dependence on oil imported from the unstable Middle East.

            Fortunately, Gov. Rendell and the Democratic majority in the state House are answering the call for action on energy independence and holding down energy costs. The governor called a special session on energy this fall, and the House already has passed a bill that would create state sales tax holiday periods to save consumers money on replacing old, energy-wasting appliances with efficient ENERGY STAR-rated models.

            Another bill passed by the House this fall would waive the state sales tax on energy-saving light bulbs such as compact fluorescent lamps. These light bulbs use at least two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and provide the same amount of light. They cut energy costs and also help to reduce home cooling costs in the summer.

            Earlier this year, the House passed landmark clean-fuels legislation that would put Pennsylvania on track to produce enough homegrown fuel to replace all of the 1 billion gallons of fuel the state now imports from the Persian Gulf each year. It would also put us in the forefront of the alternative energy industry.

            The House also is considering several other proposals, such as waiving the state sales tax on the purchase of hybrid-electric vehicles, which are more fuel-efficient and emit less pollution.

            In addition to reducing our dependence on foreign fuels and helping to hold down energy costs, shifting to cleaner alternative energy would help Pennsylvania to be part of the solution on reducing greenhouse gases and climate change. I hope that the state Senate will match the House’s action and send the governor several bills that will advance energy independence for Pennsylvania.

            Constituents in the 23rd Legislative District with state-related concerns or questions may call Rep. Dan Frankel’s office at 412-422-1774 or visit the office at 4225 Murray Ave. His Web site is www.pahouse.com/Frankel.

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