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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Eugene DePasquale |
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DePasquale proposal to invest in alternative energy
passes House with large bipartisan support
HARRISBURG, March 11 -- State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, announced that legislation he introduced as part of the state’s Energy Independence Strategy and a cornerstone of the Special Session on Energy passed the House Tuesday.
DePasquale said the House's action brings Pennsylvania another step closer to implementing one component of 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. He said it is now up to the state Senate to carry through with sending the measure to the governor's desk.
"Passing this legislation in the House is a significant step toward securing the future of Pennsylvania's economy and its environment," DePasquale said. "It is important that we continue to look at investments in alternative energy as the next frontier in creating and sustaining jobs, as well as maintaining a stable economy. Last year the House passed a similar measure I introduced but it stalled in the Senate. I am hopeful that my colleagues across the hallways here in the Capitol building will take action on this important initiative."
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. DePasquale said the funding would be divided in a variety of ways to incentivize alternative-energy production, including the creation of a rebate program for energy-efficient appliances and the establishment of a rebate and grant program for solar energy technologies. 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.
DePasquale said that his legislation also would allow the state to invest money and attract 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 in locating to Pennsylvania. This would include infrastructure preparation and the development of high-efficient, advanced-energy business sites.
"This proposal would help Pennsylvania become a leader in alternative energy production and help tackle the looming energy crisis facing our Commonwealth," DePasquale said. "We spend $30 billion in Pennsylvania to import oil from overseas. Through this proposal we can provide investments in alternative energy and keep those dollars here at home.
"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," he added. "We have worked on this issue for over a year and the open debate and discussion has made this a better and more effective bill. It is time that we finally move forward with this initiative and begin to pave the way for a bright, energy independent future in Pennsylvania."
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