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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Mike
Storm |
State Rep. Mike Gerber |
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Clean fuels and energy independence bill passes House
Gerber says Senate must act swiftly to make proposal law
HARRISBURG, June 20 – The state House passed Rep. Mike Gerber’s landmark clean fuels legislation today. Gerber has been pushing lawmakers to approve his bill, which would significantly reduce the state’s dependence on foreign oil, improve the environmental quality of Pennsylvania’s fuel and stimulate energy-related economic development in the state.
“This is a great step toward making Pennsylvania a cleaner and more energy independent state thanks to the support and leadership demonstrated by my colleagues in the House,” Gerber said. “I’m especially pleased with the bi-partisan support that my legislation received.”
The Clean Fuels and Energy Independence Act (H.B. 1202) would make Pennsylvania more energy independent and put the state in the forefront of the alternative fuel economy.
Specifically, Gerber’s legislation would:
· Mandate the blending of 10 percent ethanol in gasoline and eventually 20 percent biodiesel in diesel fuels once in-state production reaches certain levels.
· Establish production and distribution standards to advance the shift to cleaner and cheaper domestic fuel sources.
· Stimulate the Pennsylvania economy with in-state production of these renewable fuels.
Gerber’s bill must now go to the Senate for consideration. If signed into law, it would put Pennsylvania on track to produce enough homegrown fuel to replace all of the fuel the state now imports from the Persian Gulf. It would also put Pennsylvania in the forefront of the alternative energy industry.
Gerber’s bill is one of the key components of a new Energy Independence Strategy being pursued by House Democrats and supported by Gov. Rendell. The package of bills, all co-sponsored by Gerber, would improve the environment, reduce dependence on foreign oil, reduce energy and fuel costs for consumers, and position Pennsylvania to take advantage of the burgeoning alternative energy marketplace.
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Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. Gerber is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA148 (7-2-148) 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.