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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike Gerber |
  
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Alternative energy bill signed into law
PLYMOUTH MEETING, July 10 – A bill introduced by state Rep. Mike Gerber, D-Montgomery, was signed today by Gov. Edward G. Rendell, making it one of Pennsylvania's newest laws.
The bill (H.B.1202) was signed at the National Guard Facility at 1046 Belvoir Road in Plymouth Meeting.
The new law establishes per-gallon content requirements of biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol. This law will encourage the shift to clean, renewable, domestically produced fuels that will create jobs in Pennsylvania and reduce our dependency on foreign sources of oil. The use of biodiesel and cellulosic ethanol will help decrease Pennsylvania's contribution to global warming by reducing emissions of heat-trapping gases.
"These mandates will ensure Pennsylvania carries its weight in helping to make America more energy independent, will result in our burning cleaner fuel and will make Pennsylvania a leader in the emerging green energy economy," Gerber said. "Also, with fast-rising gas prices, Pennsylvanians could benefit from affordable, homegrown, renewable fuel sources."
The definition of "cellulosic ethanol" in H.B. 1202 references the definition in the Federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which requires a 60 percent reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from a baseline of conventional gasoline sold in 2005.
"I am particularly proud that Pennsylvania is now the only state that has a cellulosic-specific mandate and is the first state to respond to the federal legislation passed in December that calls for greater investment in cellulosic technologies," Gerber said.
The new law takes effect in 90 days.
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