Dear Editor:
Friday’s article, “Manufacturers can get advanced energy equipment tax credit” (Aug. 21 - 27, 2009, Page 20) highlighted just a few of the economic benefits of the economic stimulus. This is only the beginning to a clean energy economy that can be created through a strong federal energy and climate bill.
There’s never been a more important time to repower America and our economy with clean energy. We can put Pennsylvania’s skilled work force back to work in manufacturing, selling, installing and servicing wind turbines, solar panels and super-efficient automobiles. Shifting to clean energy will help reduce our dependence on oil and stop global warming.
Transitioning to a clean energy economy would not only create jobs but would save us money. A recent report by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that transitioning to clean energy would cut costs in the Mid-Atlantic region by $1,120 per household annually and save consumers and business a total of $36 billion annually in 2030.
With our vast supply of wind, Pennsylvania can lead the charge toward a clean energy economy if Senators Specter and Casey back the president’s plan to unleash the power of clean energy to rebuild our economy and protect our environment.
Jaclyn Hancock
PennEnvironment
