New Energy Future News

Rendell Administration and PennEnvironment Call on Congress to Pass Strong Energy Bill

 

Philadelphia, PA—Pennsylvania received a silver star rating for its bold leadership to bring more clean cars to the state and increase renewable energy, according to a report released today by PennEnvironment.

The Environment America report, “America’s Clean Energy Stars: State Actions Leading America to a New Energy Future” praised Pennsylvania officials for adopting bold policies to promote clean energy in the face of federal inaction.  In releasing the report, PennEnvironment and Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty called on Congress to follow the lead of the states by passing a strong energy bill that increases renewable energy, gas mileage standards and energy conservation.

“Pennsylvania is rising to our nation’s energy challenge by taking action to reduce energy consumption and promote clean renewable energy, and Gov. Rendell and Sec. McGinty deserve tremendous credit for helping to lead the nation,” said Nathan Willcox, Energy & Clean Air Advocate for PennEnvironment.  “While we can and should do even more to meet our energy challenges, our leaders in Washington should stop dragging their feet and start dancing with the states’ clean energy stars.” 

In developing the report, Environment America researchers looked at five areas of cutting-edge clean energy policy adopted by the state governments: renewable electricity standards, the Clean Cars Program, utility energy efficiency programs, energy efficiency standards for appliances, and building energy codes. 

“The energy challenge facing America demands bold action at every level.  Here in Pennsylvania, we have begun to take action. We need to do more, but we cannot do it alone,” said Kathleen McGinty, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.  “We are counting on Congress to join us as we work together to achieve the promise of a new energy future for America.” 

PennEnvironment and Sec. McGinty were also joined by Eric Thumma from Iberdrola Renewables on a teleconference to release the report.

“A long-term, full value extension of the federal renewable energy production tax credit coupled with a new federal Renewable Portfoloio Standard will create thousands of jobs and economic development across the country. As a renewable energy leader, Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned to benefit from these policies that will build clean energy and create investments in our communities,” said Eric Thumma, Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs for Iberdrola.

A number of states, including Pennsylvania, were spotlighted for special recognition in the report.  

Pennsylvania is one of five states – Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Pennsylvania and Vermont – highlighted as “silver star” clean energy states for adopting strong policies in at least two areas and meaningful policies in one to two others.  Specifically, Pennsylvania was recognized for its adoption of the Clean Cars Program, its updated residential and commercial building codes, its Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (AEPS) requirement that utilities produce 8 percent of their electricity from renewable energy by 2020, and the inclusion of energy efficiency within the AEPS.

Taken together with the actions of other states, Pennsylvania’s clean energy programs are making a significant difference in addressing America’s energy challenges:  

The Clean Cars Program adopted by 12 states could reduce global warming emissions from cars and light trucks by approximately 74 million metric tons per year by 2020 – a little over 1 percent of U.S. emissions in 2006 and the equivalent of taking 13.6 million cars off the road.  The 12 states’ enforcement of the program could also reduce gasoline consumption by as much as Florida uses in a year.

Building energy codes.  Updated residential building codes have been adopted in 14 states and the latest commercial codes have been adopted in 17 states.  If every state adopted and enforced the most recent codes, America could reduce global warming emissions by nearly 1 percent—the equivalent of taking 9 million cars off the road—and could avoid the need for 32 new 400 MW power plants.  

Renewable electricity standards already adopted by 25 states and the District of Columbia are expected to reduce global warming pollution by about 2 percent of current levels, the equivalent of taking more than 21 million cars off the road.  These standards could generate enough clean power to meet more than 5 percent of America’s current power needs.  

Energy efficiency programs and standards.  If every state were to achieve the energy savings already achieved by the most effective state programs, the United States could reduce electricity consumption by about 8 percent compared to business-as-usual levels in 2020, and avoid as much global warming pollution as taking nearly 49 million cars off the road, approximately 4 percent of current U.S. emissions. 

The U.S. Congress is currently debating a federal energy bill, and many of Pennsylvania’s members of Congress, as well as Senators Specter and Casey, will play a critical role in determining whether or not Congress passes a strong federal energy bill this year.  Specifically, PennEnvironment is calling on Congress to pass an energy bill that includes a federal renewable electricity standard and a significant increase in gas mileage standards for cars and trucks.

“State leaders have begun to move us in the right direction on energy, but we must do a lot more at every level of government,” said Willcox. “Congress should pass a strong energy bill that saves energy, saves oil by increasing fuel economy for cars and light trucks to at least 35 MPG and increases America’s use of clean, energy  requiring, at least 15% of our electricity to come from renewable energy”

PennEnvironment is an environmental advocacy organization with roughly 15,000 citizen members across Pennsylvania.  Copies of the “Clean Energy Stars” report, as well as additional information about our work on energy and other issues, can be found at www.PennEnvironment.org.

Environment America is a national federation of state environment groups that includes PennEnvironment.  Additional information can be found at www.EnvironmentAmerica.org.