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PA Governor Rendell Calls on Congress to Pass National Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards

Posted on: Thursday, 2 August 2007, 18:16 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today urged U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to support legislation requiring the nation's utility providers to use a greater portion of clean and renewable technologies to meet America's energy demands.

In a letter, which was also sent to members of Pennsylvania's congressional House delegation, the Governor said an amendment offered by Reps. Mark Udall (D-CO) and Todd Platts (R-PA) creates a stronger federal requirement that will support the historic alternative energy law the commonwealth passed in 2004 and recently improved.

"This week, the U.S. House of Representatives has a historic opportunity to exhibit real leadership in addressing the nation's energy future," Governor Rendell wrote. "By supporting the Udall-Platts amendment, you can send a signal that America is committed to increasing our use of renewable energy sources, diversifying our nation's energy supply and reducing the country's dependence on foreign fuel imports.

"The Udall-Platts amendment will complement the progress we have made in Pennsylvania. Two weeks ago, I signed a bill strengthening the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act we enacted in 2004. This act, along with our commitment to renewable energy technologies and strategic investments, have helped spark exciting new economic development projects in the commonwealth that generated a billion dollars worth of activity and created 2,500 new jobs.

"A stronger commitment by the federal government that further encourages the use of renewable technologies will greatly support our efforts," said Governor Rendell.

For more information on Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act and energy initiatives, visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

CONTACT: Barry Ciccocioppo 717-783-1116 Michael Smith (DEP) 717-787-1323

EDITOR'S NOTE: The text of Governor Rendell's letter to Speaker Pelosi follows:

August 2, 2007 Dear Speaker Pelosi,

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives has a historic opportunity to exhibit real leadership in addressing the nation's energy future. Reps. Mark Udall (D-CO) and Todd Platts (R-PA) have put forth an amendment that requires fifteen percent of the retail electricity from utility providers be derived from clean and renewable energy sources. I am writing to ask for your support of this measure in the best interests of our economy and environment.

As you know, I recently signed legislation strengthening Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act that we enacted in 2004. This law mandates the use of clean and alternative forms of energy, and requires that 18 percent of all retail electricity sold in the commonwealth come from such sources by 2021.

Pennsylvania's leadership on this issue has translated into nearly $1 billion worth of major economic development projects that have helped create approximately 2,500 new jobs. Internationally known companies such as Gamesa, Conergy and Iberdrola now call Pennsylvania home because of our commitment to renewable energy and our strategic investments to grow this industry. Moreover, General Electric manufactures wind equipment in Pennsylvania, and companies like Axion Power International, Solar Power Industries, Plextronics and AE Polysilicon are helping the commonwealth grow its standing in the solar energy field.

A stronger commitment by the federal government that further encourages the use of renewable technologies will greatly support our efforts. The Union of Concerned Scientists recently examined the benefits Pennsylvania would realize with a national renewable energy standard, and found that it would result in:

-- More than 7,000 new jobs; -- $3.7 billion in new capital investment, $1.4 billion in additional income for farmers and rural landowners, and $62 million in new local tax revenues; and -- $720 million in lower electricity and natural gas bills by 2020 (growing to nearly $1.8 billion by 2030)

The Udall-Platts amendment will complement the progress we have made in Pennsylvania. On a national basis, the legislation will promote the increased use of renewable energy sources, diversify our nation's energy supply and reduce America's dependence on foreign fuel imports. I hope that you will act in the best interests of the commonwealth's citizens, economy and environment by supporting the Udall-Platts amendment.

Sincerely, Edward G. Rendell GOVERNOR Cc: Pennsylvania delegation to the U.S. House of Representatives

Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Barry Ciccocioppo, +1-717-783-1116, or Michael Smith (DEP),+1-717-787-1323, both of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Web site: http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire-USNewswire

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