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PennFuture Calls Legislative Deal "Half a Loaf" as Leaders Agree to Pass Clean Energy Funding but Delay Vital Conservation in Face of Record Energy Costs
HARRISBURG, Pa.-(Business Wire)-June 30, 2008 - Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture) today both praised and criticized the energy deal that is part of this year's budget agreement. Passing the $650 million energy fund that includes $180 million for solar and that front loads most of the investment into the next two to five years is an important victory, according to the organization. Pennsylvania will now have a major solar program and substantial funds to support other alternative energy projects.
John Hanger, president and CEO of PennFuture, said, "The clean energy fund will fight global warming and create Great Green Jobs for Pennsylvania. This legislation would allow us to compete with New Jersey, New York, California and even internationally to bring clean energy businesses and clean energy jobs to the Keystone State."
However, the budget agreement puts off to the fall HB 2200 and the energy conservation, smart metering, and pricing plans that are the only policies that can help consumers with skyrocketing energy bills. The failure to pass House Bill 2200 means electricity costs will go higher still because total electricity demand and peak electricity demand will continue to rise and will continue to cause higher prices.
"It is shocking that energy conservation and House Bill 2200 have stalled in the Senate," continued Hanger. "Every Senator has the power to move this bill right after Labor Day.
"The people of Pennsylvania only got half a loaf from this agreement," continued Hanger. "With unprecedented costs already in place and predicted to increase as the electricity rate caps come off, delaying energy conservation to the Fall means that our state's families and businesses will face the next winter heating season with no relief. It also means that Pennsylvania's economy will once again suffer, with money that could be invested elsewhere going into energy bills.
"We will work to convince the Pennsylvania Senate, which stalled the legislation, to move the Energy Savings Bill in September," continued Hanger. "Their constituents - and the Commonwealth - certainly cannot afford the failure to pass HB 2200."
PennFuture is a statewide public interest membership organization, founded in 1998. Working from the premise that "Every environmental victory grows the economy," PennFuture has successfully advocated for landmark environmental legislation, including passage of the largest ever environmental funding bond, passage of the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, adoption of the Clean Vehicles Program and adoption of a regulation that protects Pennsylvania's babies by restricting mercury pollution from coal fired power plants. PennFuture has staff throughout the state, in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, West Chester and Scranton. The Philadelphia Inquirer called PennFuture the "state's leading environmental advocacy organization."
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