Dear Representative:
Given that debate is currently happening on the floor around special
session House Bill 1 (SHB 1), I wanted to get out a quick note on
behalf of PennEnvironment's citizen members urging your support of SHB
1, and urging your opposition to expected weakening amendments.
Increasing funding for alternative energy sources and energy efficiency
is critical to seeing these clean energy technologies advance in
Pennsylvania. And the advancement of clean energy technologies like
wind and solar power are critical to cutting air pollution and tackling
global warming, as is cutting our overall energy demand through energy
efficiency and conservation efforts. SHB 1 would devote $850 million
to the promotion of alternative energy sources and energy efficiency
efforts in Pennsylvania.
PennEnvironment also urges you to oppose Rep. George's amendment A5841,
which would give valuable funds to profitable coal-fired power plants
to meet existing clean air laws. We also urge you to oppose an
amendment to SHB 1 that we expect to be offered by Rep. Turzai, A5836,
which would weaken the bill in a number of ways. If Pennsylvania is
going to aggressively promote clean energy sources and energy
efficiency technologies, we need to be funding these technologies at a
level that is competitive with other states' programs. Any amendment
that decreases the amount of funds in SHB 1, or which shifts these
funds towards existing coal-fired power plants, would threaten the
legislation's ability to do this.
We apologize for the late notice of this letter, but please do not
hesitate to contact me by email with any questions.
Sincerely,
Nathan Willcox
Energy & Clean Air Advocate
PennEnvironment
