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Christina Fisher

Governor Proclaims “Dump the Pump Day,” Promotes Alternate Transportation, Announces Hybrid Investment for Transit
June 26, 2008

Governor Edward G. Rendell proclaimed June 19 as “Dump the Pump Day,” announced the purchase of 14 hybrid public transportation vehicles, and launched a web site to promote alternate transportation as he continues leading Pennsylvania toward energy independence.

To help protect consumers from rising energy costs, Governor Rendell unveiled the Energy Independence Strategy in February 2007 that would save Pennsylvania families and businesses $10 billion over the next decade. The plan, pending in the state Senate, would leverage $850 million in new investments to attract $3.5 billion in alternative and renewable energy products and reduce Pennsylvania’s dependence on foreign oil.

The Governor again urged the General Assembly to adopt the strategy and send these bills to him for signature:

• H.B. 1202, the Governor’s PennSecurity Fuels Initiative, has been awaiting action by the Senate since June. It requires nearly 1 billion gallons of biofuels to be produced and consumed in the commonwealth — an amount equal to what the state will import from the Persian Gulf by 2017.
• Special Session H.B. 1, which was adopted by the House on March 11, will provide funding to develop solar, wind and other advanced energy industries; make it easier for consumers to purchase and install solar panels; continue the state’s leadership in energy-efficient green buildings, and helps consumers purchase high-efficiency heating/cooling equipment and appliances.
• H.B. 2200 was passed by the House on Feb. 12 and will help consumers save on their energy bills by conserving electricity and using it more efficiently. Once fully implemented, H.B. 2200 will save consumers $1.3 billion by 2012 on their energy bills through conservation and bringing down the cost of electricity during peak load times — when demand is highest and electricity is most expensive.
• House Bill 2201, which is awaiting a vote in both chambers, will require utilities to provide service to customers at the lowest reasonable rate. The bill will require utility service providers to procure power through a mix of short- and long-term contracts and spot market purchases, and obligate the Public Utility Commission to ensure that the procurement process is free of fraud, collusion or market manipulation. 

The alternate transportation resources are online under the “Dump the Pump” here. For more information on the Energy Independence Strategy, visit here and click on the “Fueling Energy Savings” icon.

Posted by Christina Fisher on June 26, 2008 | Comments (0)