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For Immediate Release
October 17, 2007
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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
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