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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Greg Vitali
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Green energy seminar informs residents about new state programs
BRYN MAWR, June 12 – State Rep. Greg Vitali hosted a Green Energy Forum Thursday for local residents and small-business owners to learn about new state energy programs offering financial assistance for energy efficiency and green-energy upgrades and building projects.
The event was held at Cooperstown Elementary School in Bryn Mawr.
"Green energy technologies help our environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions," Vitali said. "They also help residents and business owners save money in the long run, and are good for the state's economy.
"Several programs have been created by the state to help families and business owners meet the up-front costs of making their homes and businesses more energy-efficient, so they can enjoy the benefits of cleaner and less expensive energy in the long term."
Making presentations at the green energy seminar were Dan Griffiths, director of energy technology and deployment at the Department of Environmental Protection; Spencer Finch, director of sustainable development programs for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council; and Jeff Gatter, senior vice president at AFC First Financial. The officials discussed the guidelines and application process for the Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program, the Keystone HELP Residential Energy Efficiency Program and the High Performance Green Building Program.
The Pennsylvania Sunshine Solar Program offers rebates to homeowners and small businesses on a portion of the cost of purchasing and installing solar electric and hot water systems in their homes and businesses.
The Keystone HELP Program offers rebates and low-cost financing for residential energy-efficiency projects and whole-house improvements.
The High Performance Green Building Program offers grants and loans to families and businesses constructing or renovating buildings that meet certain energy-efficiency and sustainability standards.
For more information on any of these programs, visit DEP's Web site -- www.depweb.state.pa.us/energyindependent -- and click on "Funding" on the left side of the page.
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