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Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Creates Renewable Agricultural Energy Council; PA Continues Its Leadership in Energy Initiatives, Sees Potential to Create New Jobs

Posted on: Wednesday, 12 October 2005, 12:00 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell has created the Renewable Agricultural Energy Council, which is focused on developing and expanding agricultural energy industries in Pennsylvania. The council met for the first time today.

"Pennsylvania continues to look for innovative energy solutions," Governor Rendell said. "That means looking for ways to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, encourage conservation, build and deploy clean energy technologies and build a diversified energy base."

Governor Rendell already has been recognized for his leadership in clean energy initiatives and policies. Former president Clinton recently cited the Governor and Pennsylvania for developing new strategies and technologies that improve the environment and economy through clean energy. The Governor's cutting-edge clean energy initiatives were highlighted at Clinton's inaugural international conference of world leaders in business and government last month in New York City.

"Renewable agricultural energy has the potential to support and grow the agriculture industry in Pennsylvania by providing as many as 64,000 additional jobs," the Governor said. "Additionally, renewable agricultural energy can help diversify agricultural activities and stimulate the growth of crops that strengthen the agriculture industry. It also has the potential to save consumers hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs.

"As energy costs rise, it is increasingly important for the commonwealth to reduce reliance on non-renewable sources of energy from overseas," Governor Rendell said during a meeting of the council at the Capitol Building. "Renewable energy can help us increase our economic and environmental security. The creation of the Renewable Agricultural Energy Council is an important step in this direction."

The Council will make recommendations to the Governor on policies, procedures, regulations and legislation that would aid in the development of renewable energy; serve as the Governor's liaison to the ag community on issues affecting the production of renewable energy; serve as a resource to all state entities to ensure that leaders are aware of the issues surrounding renewable energy; and provide guidance and assistance to help the industry establish and develop the infrastructure necessary to deliver renewable energy sources to consumers within Pennsylvania.

"Agricultural energy sources can save the average household $1,200 annually on energy bills," Governor Rendell said. "Such energy sources can also provide an additional source of income for farmers and increase the tax base, benefits that stretch beyond the farm."

The secretaries of Agriculture and Environmental Protection will serve as co-chairs on a rotating yearly basis, with the secretary of Agriculture, Dennis Wolff, serving the first term. The Council will also be composed of a diverse group of individuals appointed by the Governor, including farmers utilizing renewable energy and those who work with agricultural energy.

"Governor Rendell has been working aggressively to fund the commercial deployment of biofuels to bring them out of the realm of demonstration and into everyday use, especially as the price of conventional liquid fuels continues to rise," Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. "This council not only enhances Pennsylvania's agricultural reputation, but it also reinforces our leadership in the development and deployment of advanced energy technologies. We are putting to use Pennsylvania resources to produce homegrown fuels that decrease our dependence on foreign oil, enhance homeland security, improve the environment and spur economic growth."

"Exploring renewable energy has enormous potential for the agricultural industry," said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. "High energy prices negatively affect both a farmer's bottom line and the economy. Taking advantage of renewable energy will help improve Pennsylvania's economic security and improve efficiency and profitability of farming operations. The Governor's Renewable Agricultural Energy Council will help farmers help Pennsylvania."

The Rendell Administration is committed to investing in alternative energy programs and there are many funding opportunities available for agriculture to develop such programs on their operations, including the Energy Harvest, Alternative Fuel Incentive and First Industries Funding loan and grant programs. Information on these funding programs is available by calling 1-888-PAGrows or visiting http://www.pagrows.com/.

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: Kate Philips, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116; or Kristina Watson, PDA, +1-717-787-5085.

Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Kate Philips, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-783-1116; or Kristina Watson, PDA, +1-717-787-5085

Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/http://www.pagrows.com/http://www.governor.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire

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