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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. John T.
Galloway |
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Galloway votes to invest in state's energy future
HARRISBURG, March 11 – The state House today passed legislation that would invest in the production and use of alternative and renewable energy in Pennsylvania.
On a bipartisan vote of 126 to 74, the House passed Special Session H.B. 1, which would create an Energy Independence Fund by establishing an $850 million bond fund to support research, development and deployment of various alternative energy projects and technologies.
State Rep. John Galloway, D-Bucks, voted for the legislation, and released the following statement on its passage:
"This legislation is good for Pennsylvania and good for Bucks County. It will ensure that the momentum we've begun in Bucks County with AE Polysilicon will continue. With the help of a $1 million state grant, AE Polysilicon is transforming the former Keystone Industrial Port Center into a state-of-the-art solar cell manufacturing facility, creating more than 140 jobs.
"We have Gamesa Corp. building three new modern manufacturing centers on the 20-plus acres of U.S. Steel's former Fairless Hills industrial site where the company will produce wind mill blades and towers, and create more than 300 new jobs.
"Imagine how much more could be accomplished with $850 million in state funds earmarked specifically for alternative energy projects.
"The bill creates a rebate program to help residents purchase energy-efficient appliances so they can lower their electric bills right now. And it creates a grant program to help businesses and residents start using solar energy.
"This bill would create thousands of good-paying jobs, save the state billions in energy costs and create a long-term solution to the state's energy crisis. I am proud to have voted in favor of this cutting-edge legislation."
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