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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph Brennan |
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House passes energy bill in special session
HARRISBURG, March 11 – State Rep. Joseph Brennan, D-Lehigh/Northampton, said that the House of Representatives passed legislation today that would establish a clean-energy program in Pennsylvania.
"The passage of this legislation draws Pennsylvania closer to energy independence," Brennan said. "Today's energy costs are simply too high – this bill affords us the opportunity to seek alternative means of energy using our own resources."
Under the legislation (Special Session H.B. 1), Pennsylvania consumers and power-generating utilities would have more tools to cut energy bills through conservation and investment in alternative energy.
The legislation would invest in-state 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;
· $244 million in rebates and loans for Energy Star-certified home improvements and Energy Star-certified efficient appliance purchases as well as “Sunshine Grants” to promote the use of solar power.
The bill would establish an $850 million bond fund paid for by tapping into existing gross receipts taxes on electric bills to create a clean-energy program that would promote low-pollution, state-based energy generation and investment to reduce the Commonwealth’s dependence on Middle East oil and other foreign energy sources. Brennan said the legislation is projected to create over 13,000 new jobs in Pennsylvania.
The bill now goes to the state Senate.
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