For Immediate Release
10/17/07

- Sen. Tomlinson
- Sen. Mary Jo White
- Sen. Brubaker
- Sen. Erickson
- Sen. Scarnati
- Sen. Folmer
- Sen. Wonderling
- Sen. Don White

Senate Committee Advances Alternative Energy Investment Act in Special Session

HARRISBURG – The Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies today advanced legislation to invest $530 million over the next seven years in consumer energy programs, energy conservation, and the development of alternative and renewable energy.

The Alternative Energy Investment Act, introduced by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) and Sen. Robert M. Tomlinson (R-6), provides funding for grants and loans to projects geared at improving energy supply and efficiency, improved conservation and reduced demand for energy – with no tax increases. It was reported out of committee by a vote of 13-1.

"Our focus needs to be on helping energy consumers," said Sen. Tomlinson. "Energy costs are going up, and the state should support energy conservation and alternative energy development as a long-term way to reduce the impact those rates have on Pennsylvania families."

"This package is both aggressive and balanced," said Sen. White. "We're providing a fiscally responsible approach to encouraging the development of alternative and renewable energy and energy conservation."

The senators noted that much work lies ahead to reach a consensus on legislation creating a fund to promote energy conservation and alternative energy.

Special Session Senate Bill 1 would provide:

• $20 million annually for consumer/home energy efficiency programs.
• $20 million annually in tax credits for investments in alternative energy production projects; and
• $20 million annually to finance a $250 million bond for alternative and renewable energy development, clean energy and energy conservation, and pollution control technology.

For consumers, $20 million would be available for grants, rebates and reimbursements for:

• Purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling units and appliances; and
• Residential energy conservation projects, including purchasing and installing:
  • Solar or solar photovoltaic panels;
  • Energy efficient windows and doors; and
  • Insulation, air-sealing and other energy saving projects.

Tax credits totaling $20 million would be available to facilities which:

• Produce or distribute renewable energy by using biofuel, biomass, solar power, wind energy, clean coal technologies, waste coal or other alternative energy sources defined under the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act;
• Manufacture or produce products that provide renewable energy; and
• Are used for the research and development of technology to provide alternative or renewable energy sources.

Bond proceeds would be allocated in the amount of $50 million per year over a five-year period for:

• Development of alternative and renewable energy technologies and venture capital;
• Pollution control technology projects to assist existing electric generating units meet enhanced state and federal pollution emission reduction requirements; and
• Clean energy and energy conservation projects.

Special Session Senate Bill 1 now moves to the full Senate for consideration. 

CONTACT: 

Pat Henderson (Sen. White)
phenderson@pasen.gov
(717) 787-9684 

Fran Cleaver (Sen. Tomlinson)
fcleaver@pasen.gov
(717) 787-5072

Additional Information:
Environment and Energy

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