 Adjust Text Size
For Immediate Release
September 11, 2007
Back
Senators Mary Jo White, Tomlinson to Introduce "Alternative
Energy Investment Act"
Invests $60 million annually; rejects Governor's proposed tax
increase
Harrisburg – State Senators Mary Jo White (R-21) and Robert M. Tomlinson
(R-6) today announced their intent to introduce the "Alternative Energy
Investment Act" when the Special Session on Energy convenes next week. Under the legislation, $60 million annually would be allocated out of
existing revenues to provide grants and loans to projects geared at improving
energy supply and efficiency, improved conservation and reduced demand for
energy.
"This proposal is an important step as the Commonwealth prepares for the
impact of expiring generation rate caps in the coming years," said Senator
Tomlinson, chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
Committee. "Our legislation targets investment into alternative and renewable
sources of energy, and provides incentives for both businesses and homeowners to
reduce and improve their energy use."
Specifically, the legislation includes:
- $20 million annually in tax credits for investments in
alternative energy production projects
- $20 million annually to finance a $250 million bond
- $20 million annually for consumer/home energy efficiency
programs
Tax credits would be available to facilities which:
- Utilize waste coal, biofuel, biomass, solar power, wind energy, clean
coal technologies or other alternative energy sources defined under the
Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to produce or distribute renewable
energy
- Manufacture or produce products that provide renewable energy
- Are used for the research and development of technology to provide
alternative or renewable energy sources
Bond proceeds would be allocated over a five-year period for the following:
- Development of alternative/renewable energy technologies and venture
capital – administered by Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority
- Pollution control technology projects to assist existing electric
generating units meet enhanced state and federal pollution emission reduction
requirements – administered by the Department of Environmental Protection
- Clean energy and energy conservation projects – administered by the
Commonwealth Financing Authority
Consumer and home energy efficiency funding would provide grants, rebates and
reimbursements for:
- Purchases of energy efficient heating and cooling units and
appliances
- Residential energy conservation projects, including purchase and
installation costs for:
- Solar or solar photovoltaic panels
- Energy efficient windows and doors
- Insulation, air-sealing and other energy saving projects
"A sound energy policy must include efforts to expand and diversify our
energy supply, while encouraging common-sense steps that can reduce demand and
increase efficiency, both in our homes and businesses," said Senator Mary Jo
White, chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. "We
look forward to working with Governor Rendell and our colleagues in the General
Assembly to adopt a sensible and responsible energy policy for Pennsylvanians."
Funding for the Alternative Energy Investment Act will be found within
existing revenues. Sen. White and Sen. Tomlinson indicated that a potential
source of funding is the anticipated growth in revenues from the existing gross
receipts tax on electricity, although other revenues may be identified as the
proposal moves through the legislature.
Contacts:
Fran Cleaver (Sen. Tomlinson)
717-787-5072
Patrick Henderson (Sen. White)
717-787-9684
| 
