The Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies this week amended and reported out Special Session House Bill 36 (George-D-Clearfield) establishing a State Energy Office to promote energy development and conservation, according to Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), who serves as Majority Chair of the Committee.

The office would be created within the state Department of Environmental Protection.

“I commend Rep. Bud George for his leadership and sponsorship of this legislation,” said Sen. White. “Energy is perhaps the most critical issue facing the commonwealth and this office and advisory committee will help Pennsylvania meet this challenge.”

The Committee approved two amendments to Special Session House Bill 36. One amendment creates an Energy Advisory Committee, with members appointed by the governor and legislature.

The second amendment gives the State Energy Office the responsibility of implementing the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act. The Act, sponsored by Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) and signed into law in July, created a Climate Change Advisory Committee to advise the state on climate change issues and identify green economic opportunities in Pennsylvania.

“The amendment also reinforces the commitment from DEP that, as the Climate Change Advisory Committee examines the issue and makes recommendations to state government, any proposal to implement caps on greenhouse gas emissions will be done through legislation,” said Sen. White. “This is particularly critical given the growing concerns over higher electric costs in the commonwealth and the need to ensure that as we address this issue, we do not unnecessarily increase the burden on Pennsylvania consumers or businesses.”

Reacting to the Committee action, Rep. George said, “We need a focused effort on energy issues rather than the current shotgun approach with energy-related initiatives scattered across different state agencies.

Sen. Ray Musto (D-Luzerne) serves as Minority Chair of the Committee.

More information is available at the Senate Special Session Committee on Energy Policies webpage.

9/19/2008