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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Eugene DePasquale |
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DePasquale: House moves forward with alternative energy proposal
York lawmaker says House strengthens legislation that invests in alternative energy production
HARRISBURG, Feb. 13 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, that is a cornerstone of the state's Energy Independence Strategy was put in position today to receive a final vote by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
DePasquale said the proposal would invest millions of dollars in alternative energy production in the state, and bring Pennsylvania a step closer to implementing an overall energy plan that would create thousands of jobs, save the state billions of dollars in energy costs and create a long-term solution to the state’s energy crisis.
"We are in a position to become a leader in alternative energy production and we need to continue to think outside the box and provide incentives that will encourage industries and consumers to be more energy efficient, while bringing new economic development opportunities to our region," DePasquale said.
The bill (S.S.H.B. 1) would allocate $850 million in bond funding to the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority and the Commonwealth Financing Agency to support research, development and deployment of various alternative energy projects and technologies. Proposals include creating a rebate program for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and establishing a rebate and grant program for the use of solar energy. In addition, a percentage of the funding would provide grants and loans for alternative energy projects, alternative fuels, demand-side management and energy-efficient measures.
The House added amendments that would use a percentage of the funding to help develop wind energy projects, create pollution control technology for electricity generated by coal, and establish high performance or "green" building standards.
"The amendments that were adopted today significantly strengthen this bill and will have a tremendous positive impact on the people of Pennsylvania," DePasquale said.
DePasquale said his legislation also would allow the state to invest money in attracting alternative energy-producing companies to the area. Specifically, the bill would provide funding to the CFA for grants and loans to assist venture capital partnerships and businesses locating to Pennsylvania. This would include infrastructure preparation and the development of high-efficient, advanced-energy business sites.
“Investing in alternative energy and moving away from our dependence on Middle East oil will provide us with an opportunity to create jobs, protect our environment and national security interests, and strengthen the energy industry all while adding cost savings for consumers,” DePasquale said. “I am excited to move forward with this initiative and provide the Senate with a comprehensive and detailed approach to making Pennsylvania a national leader in alternative energy production."
DePasquale said the House will vote on the measure as its first order of business when it returns to session next month.
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