18% of retail electricity from clean and renewable resources
Pennsylvania is a national leader in the field of alternative energy. Six years ago, we passed an Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard, requiring that 18% of all retail electricity sold in Pennsylvania had to be from clean and renewable resources. Since
then, we doubled the amount of wind power operating. By this December we will be among the top five states generating solar power and we now have more than 300 solar component companies in the state. All told, we have invested nearly a billion dollars in
alternative energy and fuel projects creating jobs in every corner of this state. And our funds have been matched by more than $3 billion in private investment. Due to our efforts, Pennsylvania was ranked third in the nation for green job creation. But
other states have enacted higher standards that will make them more attractive for future investment. It's not just about energy, it's about jobs, and we must protect these opportunities by raising our alternative energy requirements as soon as possible.
Focus on win-win efforts: stem global warming & create jobs
Given the diverse make-up of the Climate Change Advisory Group, it's astonishing that 90 percent of the recommendations were unanimously adopted. Many of the Group's recommendations advance our efforts to stem global warming and create jobs.
Let's focus on those that are "win-win" for the planet and our people. We may not agree on everything, but this is something we can do together, and I urge you to pass the legislation to put these recommendations into action this year.
Source: Pennsylvania 2010 State of the State Address
Feb 9, 2010
Extend tax incentives for energy efficiency and energy R&D
Letter from Governor Pawlenty and Governor Rendell to the Senate Finance Committee:
On behalf of the nation’s governors, we urge Congress to extend expiring tax provisions for renewable energy efficiency, research and development.
Continued and consistent support for renewable energy and efficiency through tax incentives is critical to the development and deployment of alternative energy technologies and energy efficiency.
To stimulate innovation, we encourage Congress to exten
the research and development tax credit that expired last year. Providing business with an incentive to invest in research is critical for driving innovation and generating high wage job opportunities that will propel the U.S. economy throughout the
21st century.
Securing our energy future and promoting innovation are priorities at both the state and federal level. We strongly urge you to partner with governors by passing legislation on a bipartisan basis to extend these tax provisions this year.
Source: Letter from two governors to Senate Finance Committee
May 21, 2008
Promote alternative fuels & also traditional domestic fuels
Indicate which principles you support regarding the environment and energy.
Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
Support increased production of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, and oil).
Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites.
Increase funding for improvements to Pennsylvania’s power generating and transmission facilities.
Enact environmental regulations even if they are stricter than federal law.
Source: 2006 PA Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 7, 2006
Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025.
Rendell endorsed setting goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025
A resolution that it is the goal of the United States that, not later than January 1, 2025, the agricultural, forestry, and working land of the US should provide from renewable resources not less than 25% of the total energy consumed and continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber. [Governors also signed letters of endorsement at www.25x25.org]
Rep. SALAZAR: "Our resolution establishes a national goal of producing 25% of America's energy from renewable sources--like solar, wind and biofuels--by 2025. The "25x'25" vision is widely endorsed, bold, and fully attainable. If implemented, it would dramatically improve our energy security, our economy, and our ability to protect the environment.
"I am pleased that more than 20 of my colleagues in the Senate, from both sides of the aisle, are cosponsoring this resolution.
In addition, the "25x'25" vision has been endorsed by 22 current and former governors and several State legislatures across the country. The Big Three automobile manufacturers--Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors--are all behind "25x'25" So are many agricultural organizations, environmental groups, scientists, and businesses, ranging from the Natural Resources Defense Council to John Deere.
"These Americans understand that we cannot continue to import 60% of our oil from foreign countries, many of which are hostile to the US, if we aim to be strong and secure in the world. They know that we will have to build a clean energy economy if we are to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It is time for Congress to take a more active role in our clean energy future. Establishing a national goal--"25x'25" is the first step."
Source: 25x'25 Act (S.CON.RES.3 / H.CON.RES.25) 2007-SC03 on Jan 17, 2007
