The following bills were given final approval by the Senate and House and now go to the Governor for action--

Utility Electric Conservation: House Bill 2200 (George-D-Clearfield) setting goals for reducing electric use and requiring electric efficiency programs was amended by the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, passed by the Senate and concurred in by the House. It now goes to the Governor for his action.(See separate story)

The bill provides for energy conservation, procurement of electric power, smart meters, market power remediation, the use of hydropower and biomass energy in relation to the alternative energy portfolio standards, and a carbon sequestration network study.

NewsClip: Legislature OKs Electricity Conservation Bill

Mercury Thermostats: House Bill 44 (Rubley-R-Chester) prohibiting the sale of thermostats with mercury was passed by the Senate, was concurred in by the House and was signed into law by the Governor as Act 44.

"Within 60 days of this bill being signed into law, manufacturers and retailers of thermostats will be required to offer opportunities for consumers to recycle mercury thermostats as they replace them with programmable non-mercury thermostats," said Rep. Rubley.

"In addition to mercury thermostat recycling programs, public awareness programs will be established by the Department of Environmental Protection to educate school children, local government officials, business owners and consumers about how to properly dispose of mercury thermostats and other products containing mercury.

"Drop-off locations will be established for consumers, who are already going mercury-free by purchasing programmable thermostats to save energy. Newer thermostats save energy by allowing homeowners to program temperatures throughout the day, lower at night and when at work, and higher during evenings and weekends.

"I believe consumers want to do the right thing and dispose of obsolete mercury thermostats in the correct manner, but currently, there is really no means of recycling them. My bill creates that opportunity.

"I am proud to have this measure going to the governor for signature during my last year in office."

Diesel Idling: Senate Bill 295 (Browne-R-Lehigh) placing limits on diesel idling was reported from the House Appropriations Committee, passed by the House, concurred in by the Senate and was signed into law by the Governor as Act 124. (See separate story on related regulations.)

"I truly appreciate the support of my colleagues in approving this legislation that will improve air quality across the Commonwealth and especially for those residents who live around truck terminals and parking areas. Idling motor vehicles needlessly waste hundreds of millions of gallons of diesel fuel," Sen. Browne said. "By enacting this restriction, we will save fossil fuel and make Pennsylvania less energy dependent. In a lot of regards, this legislation meets our goals for the environment and energy independence that we have set in the Senate."

Main Street: House Bill 420 (Hickernell-R-Lancaster) expanding the Main Street Program was reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee and passed by the Senate without amendment and was signed into law by the Governor as Act 99.

Elm Street: House Bill 2233 (Freeman-D-Lehigh) repealing the expiration date for the Elm Street Programwas reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee, passed by the Senate and was signed into law by the Governor as Act 116.

"I'm very pleased that my bill to enhance the Elm Street Program has passed the Senate and has been sent to the governor's desk for his signature," Rep. Freeman said. "The revisions made by my bill will allow this successful urban revitalization initiative to continue to stabilize older urban residential neighborhoods, breathing new life, vitality and opportunity into them."

Theft Of Scrap: House Bill 1742 (Pashinski-D-Luzerne) Setting penalties for the theft of scrap material was passed by the Senate and was signed into law by the Governor as Act 113.

"High prices – often in cash – paid for scrap metal have fueled a skyrocketing level of metal theft crime in Pennsylvania and across the country. The thefts of items like electrical cable, copper wiring and flashing, air conditioner coils, metal down spouts and light fixtures can cause staggering losses for local governments and businesses. Plus, individuals have bore the brunt of thefts of expensive items like catalytic converters from vehicles," Rep. Boyd (R-York) said. "This bill can really help to get this problem under control."

NewsClips: Lawmakers Try To Crack Down On Scrap Thieves

10/10/2008