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Investments in PA Energy Projects Topped $120 Million in 2005, Governor Rendell Says

Posted on: Wednesday, 3 May 2006, 12:00 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today said commonwealth and federal agencies invested $120 million in Pennsylvania energy-related projects in 2005.

"We are working together to turn the challenges of rising oil prices and unstable foreign suppliers into opportunities that create jobs in Pennsylvania and protect our environment," Governor Rendell said. "Through continuing strategic investments, we are making Pennsylvania a leader in energy development to significantly reduce our reliance on imported oil."

Pennsylvania issued 269 alternative energy and energy efficiency awards in 2005 through the Small Business Advantage Grant Program, Pennsylvania Energy Harvest Grant Program, Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (which issues grants and loans), Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program, and state energy programs. The amount awarded to Pennsylvania-based companies, organizations and individuals totaled nearly $21 million.

Federal agencies issued a total of 151 awards worth $99 million to Pennsylvania-based companies and organizations.

"The partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and the states is critical to our national energy goals," said James Powell, DOE's manager of weatherization and intergovernmental affairs. "Pennsylvania's commitment to energy efficiency and alternative energy policies and projects is exemplary. I commend the state of Pennsylvania's leadership."

The 2005 investment totals were compiled by the Department of Environmental Protection's Office of Energy and Technology Deployment. OETD tracks federal, private and other nonprofit organization's solicitations posted in the "Technology Clearinghouse" to determine the true picture of funding opportunities, awards and successes, with particular attention on Pennsylvania.

The clearinghouse provides a single location where interested parties can reduce the time spent searching the myriad of funding sources to quickly find up-to-date information on funding opportunities.

The solicitations posted on the clearinghouse are consolidated into an easy-to-read table matrix, along with brief abstracts of each funding opportunity. The Web site is found at http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/, Keyword "Technology Clearinghouse." Follow the link to "Funding Opportunities."

Solicitations and awards tracked include those promoting energy efficiency, electric generation or conservation, alternative fuels, pollution prevention and sustainability. During 2005, a total of 105 state, federal, private and other nonprofit organization solicitations were posted on the OETD Technology Clearinghouse Funding Opportunities Web site.

"Many of these grant solicitations promote conservation and energy efficiency, pointing to their significance in meeting our energy needs," DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. "With oil prices again increasing rapidly, conservation is one of the quickest ways to reduce our reliance on foreign oil and improve the air we breathe."

DEP staff routinely seeks and receives information from a number of sources for various technology-related funding opportunities that are consistent with the department's mission. Many of these opportunities, primarily at the federal level, are evaluated and then posted on the Technology Clearinghouse Web page.

While the state's energy office focuses primarily on energy, pollution prevention and sustainability funding opportunities for research and development and technology deployment projects, solicitations associated with general technology, science and engineering are also listed in the clearinghouse.

The department will continue its efforts to track results of projects that were funded in 2005 along with opportunities and awards in 2006. Recognizing that most awards are announced publicly through various media, successful Pennsylvania-based award recipients are encouraged to contact OETD as a confirmation, and to report progress and noteworthy accomplishments throughout the project. Maintaining contact will also provide the opportunity for OETD to share information on state and federal funding opportunities for existing or potentially new projects.

For more information, visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/, Keyword "Technology Clearinghouse," or contact OETD Program Specialist Jeff Painter at (717) 783-8411.

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 717-783-1116 Charlie Young, DEP 717-787-1323

Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Kate Philips pf Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116; or Charlie Young of DEP, +1-717-787-1323

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

Source: PRNewswire

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