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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Bill
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State Rep. Eugene DePasquale |
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DePasquale, Pa. House moving forward with energy independence strategy
Lawmaker works across the aisle to ensure House passes key component of plan
HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, announced that several key components of the state’s Energy Independence Strategy, which would create 35,000 jobs and save $10 billion in energy costs over the next decade, were passed by the House of Representatives Wednesday evening.
“This is a significant win for Pennsylvania consumers, our national security, our economy and environment,” DePasquale said.
The House approved two major portions of the plan, including legislation (H.B. 1200) introduced and supported by DePasquale, which would expand the Pennsylvania Economic Development Authority to encourage energy independence through tax credits, grants and loans and other incentives offered to alternative energy manufacturers and energy-efficient companies. In addition, the bill would provide rebates and incentives to consumers for replacing inefficient household appliances and using solar power.
In total, 128 members voted for the bill, including 101 Democrats and 27 Republicans.
The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration, and DePasquale said he is confident that his colleagues in that chamber will agree that the time is now to establish a meaningful and effective Energy Independence Strategy for Pennsylvania.
“I will continue to push for this legislation, as well as for the other major elements of the energy plan, because we can no longer sit back and do nothing about the rising energy costs here in Pennsylvania,” DePasquale said. “The public outcry about the high price of gasoline and home utility bills is growing each and every day, and we need to listen.”
DePasquale said polling confirms that residents across Pennsylvania support an aggressive energy independence strategy and are willing to take steps to ensure that the state reduces its dependence on foreign oil, increases its investment in economic development opportunities with regard to alternative fuel production, and protects its environment.
According to the poll released this week, conducted by Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future, more than 90 percent of respondents are concerned about the rising costs of traditional energy sources and the impact of greenhouse gases on the environment. In addition, 96 percent believe it is important for consumers and businesses to increase their use of alternative sources of energy like wind and solar power.
“The results of this study are staggering,” DePasquale said. “We have 87 percent of those polled agreeing with us that the state should take steps to attract clean energy companies to invest in Pennsylvania in order to increase domestic fuel supplies. Moreover, 88 percent think the state should encourage private investment in alternative sources of renewable energy. It’s an overwhelming mandate by the people.”
DePasquale said the poll also shows that almost 80 percent said they would be willing to pay an additional $1 per month or less to create a new Energy Independence Fund that would support investments in alternative sources of clean energy and encourage companies that manufacture alternative fuels to locate in Pennsylvania.
“By passing my bill, members of the House are supporting a plan to invest tax dollars in domestically produced clean energy right here in Pennsylvania, something the residents of this state support,” DePasquale said. “The public is willing to pay a small price each year to encourage these investments because they know the savings will be substantial in the long run.
“With the support we have seen from economic development officials, business leaders and the public, it is obvious that we are ready to move forward with this agenda and finally implement policies that will encourage energy independence,” he added.
Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. DePasquale is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA95 (7-2-95) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.