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COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. John Siptroth |
  
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June 18, 2008
It's time to get serious about energy
By state Rep. John Siptroth
The era of cheap oil is over and we need to start thinking about how to prepare for the inevitable economic and social consequences. I don’t believe we can produce ourselves out of this crisis because it would take years to bring any new oil fields online, and even then we would still be at the mercy of the world oil markets.
Pennsylvania's current energy investment programs have created more than 2,500 jobs. But funding is limited and the state is only able to support 10 percent of requests, losing out on at least $100 million in potential investments every year. That's why I am a co-sponsor of legislation (S.S.H.B. 1) that would create an $850 million energy fund to provide:
-- $244 million for energy efficient household appliance rebates and grants to incentivize the use of solar power;
-- $106 million for venture capital, grants and loans for the expansion of alternative energy companies; and
-- $500 million for clean energy projects and development or equipment costs for specific alternative energy economic development projects.
I also voted for legislation that would enable consumers to take control of their energy use and costs (H.B. 2200) and reduce Pennsylvania's reliance on foreign oil (H.B. 1202). All three bills await Senate action.
Though the state and federal governments may have some programs that can assist with the purchase of energy conservation technologies and alternative power solutions, I believe it is now time to consider additional issues like sourcing goods and services closer to home and building sustainable, local commercial relationships. One issue of particular concern for me is building a sound local food network of producers and retailers. It is obvious that importing fresh produce from thousands of miles away on a daily basis cannot be sustained economically.
The issue of high energy costs will radically change our communities, businesses and way of life. As with any change, there will be opportunities for those who can innovate. If transportation costs rise as predicted over the next decade, then we may see many of the manufacturing jobs we have lost to other countries return to meet the staffing needs of alternative-energy businesses. I will continue to work with the region’s economic development partners to help prepare northeastern Pennsylvania for the future and to assist individual businesses with new projects or issues with state government.
I'm also exploring a number of other major economic development initiatives to bring thousands of high-paying jobs to northeastern Pennsylvania. The initiatives, included in Gov. Rendell's economic development budget proposal, Progress for PA, include moving the Penn Regional Business Center project forward, assisting in the expansion of new technology manufacturing and establishing statewide renewable energy and energy independence solutions.
More information on the governor’s budget proposal and energy initiatives that I support is available online at www.pahouse.com/Siptroth.
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