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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Greg Vitali
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Vitali's clean-energy legislation voted out of committee
HARRISBURG, June 16 – Clean-energy legislation (H.B. 80) introduced by state Rep. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware, was reported out of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee today.
In a packed hearing room filled with leaders of environmental groups, clean-energy and utility companies, and other interested individuals, the committee approved Vitali's bill by a 16-10 vote.
Vitali and Sen. Ted Erickson, R-Delaware, have introduced the bill in their respective chambers. Both bills would increase Tier I requirements in Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards to 20 percent by 2026. Tier I requirements are the proportion of electricity that electric distribution companies must purchase from renewable sources such as wind and solar. Erickson's bill is S.B. 92.
The bill also would increase the amount of electricity from solar photovoltaic panels that electricity companies must purchase and use to 3 percent by 2026; require Pennsylvania to develop and operate a carbon capture and sequestration network for coal-burning power plants in Pennsylvania; and require 3 percent of the energy purchased by electric distribution companies in Pennsylvania to come from coal-fired power plants that sequester carbon.
"This bill is important for both the environment and the economy," Vitali said. "If enacted, it would remove 16 million tons of carbon dioxide per year from the atmosphere, which equates to 3 million cars being taken off the road. This legislation also would create good-paying jobs and economic growth, which is a distinct advantage in our economic recovery efforts."
Both Reps. Chris Ross, R-Chester, and Eugene DePasquale, D-York, have provided input on the bill throughout the process. Ross amended the bill in committee to reflect agreed-to changes that were developed through a stakeholder process.
"Passage of this bill would make a progressive update to our alternative energy program," DePasquale said. "It's a clear path toward making Pennsylvania a leader in alternative energy, and would, in turn, create a cleaner, more efficient and more cost-effective energy system for Pennsylvanians."
"We can lead the nation by developing this cutting-edge technology to capture and sequester carbon emitted from the burning of coal. It is crucial to protecting our environment, and it will create new jobs and increase our economic growth," Vitali said.
Vitali's bill now moves to the full House for consideration. His goal is to have this legislation to the governor by the time the House breaks for the summer.
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