HARRISBURG – Four House Democrats today introduced legislation designed to move Pennsylvania toward energy independence while creating 35,000 jobs and saving $10 billion in energy costs over the next 10 years.
“Today, we say that Pennsylvania no longer is content to be bullied by energy shortages, high fuel prices, foreign oil and the environmentally damaging practices of the past,” said state Reps. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Clearfield County, Eugene A. DePasquale, D-75 of York County, John R. Hornaman, D-3 of Erie County and Mike Gerber, D-148 of Montgomery County.
Flanked by Gov. Edward G. Rendell, the four members of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee outlined the Energy Independence Strategy during an afternoon news conference at the Capitol. The multifaceted legislation unveiled by the lawmakers would:
— Save Pennsylvania $10 billion in energy costs over the next 10 years.
— Reduce reliance on foreign fuels and increase the state’s clean-energy capacity.
— Expand Pennsylvania’s energy and technology sectors to create more than 35,000 jobs and attract $3.5 billion in investments over the next 10 years.
— Produce enough homegrown fuel to replace what the state now imports from the Persian Gulf.
George, majority chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, said his legislation would establish the Energy Independence Fund, an $850 million bond issue that would seed the diverse energy and conservation initiatives.
“A ‘public benefits charge’ on electric bills would cost the average homeowner less than $5.50 a year,” George said. “In return, the homeowner would save about $73 a year in energy costs.
“It’s an investment, not an expense,” he said. “Residential, commercial and industrial users of electricity can expect to save roughly 15 times what they contribute to the public benefits charge.”
The George legislation also would:
— Develop cleaner electric plants through Pennsylvania’s alternative-energy portfolio.
— Enable consumers to opt into gradual rate increases to mute the effects of rate increases looming with the end of generation rate caps in 2011.
— Implement “smart meters” that would provide energy savings and reduce demand by 5 percent.
— Require utilities to purchase power through a least-cost portfolio.
Hornaman said his Energy Independence legislation would increase the Commonwealth’s clean-energy capabilities by requiring increasing utility purchases and sales of Tier 1 alternative energy sources, such as solar, hydro and wind power.
“By expanding our alternative fuel and clean energy industries, we can reduce dependence on foreign oil, prevent millions of tons of pollutants from being discharged and save billions of dollars now spent on imported energy,” said the Erie County lawmaker. “We are building a homegrown energy infrastructure that provides cleaner power and high-tech jobs – all in Pennsylvania.”
Rep. Hornaman’s legislation also would:
— Ensure fair compensation for electric customers who contribute power.
— Establish alternative-energy credit trading incentives and rules that build local power sources.
— Provide oversight to ensure compliance with clean- and alternative-energy requirements.
DePasquale’s legislation would empower the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority to be a lead player in Pennsylvania’s Energy Independence Strategy.
“We must move past the old debate of whether we can clean the environment or grow our economy — we can and must do both,” said the former York economic development official. “My bill will speed development of clean and efficient energy projects that will benefit all of Pennsylvania – its businesses, citizens and communities.”
DePasquale’s legislation would:
— Provide $106 million in venture capital, loans and grants for energy initiatives.
— Create rebate-and-incentive programs for Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Solar Initiative.
— Offer rebates to replace inefficient refrigerators and room air conditioners.
— Enable PEDA to acquire and sell energy commodities, including electricity and natural gas.
The Clean Fuel and Energy Independence Act would accelerate Pennsylvania’s growing bio-fuels industry and boost ethanol and clean-coal projects.
“My legislation would put Pennsylvania on the road to a cleaner, more affordable and more energy-independent future while energizing the Commonwealth’s alternative-energy economy,” Rep. Gerber said. “The Clean Fuel and Energy Independence Act would ensure that alternative fuels are used and that new technologies such as cellulosic ethanol are developed.”
Gerber’s “PennSecurity” legislation would:
— Promote in-state production of renewable fuels.
— Establish production-and-distribution standards to facilitate the shift to cleaner and cheaper domestic fuel sources.
— Phase in ethanol requirements in gasoline.
— Increase use of soy and other renewable energy sources in diesel fuels.
“The initiatives introduced today would make Pennsylvania an energy and economic powerhouse,” said the four lawmakers, who represent virtually the four corners of the Commonwealth. “After years of hearing the complaints about high prices, shortages and OPEC having us over a barrel, the governor said the time to act is now, and we couldn’t agree more.”