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House Environmental Committee Reports Out Carbon Sequestration, Alternative Energy Bill
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The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee amended and reported out legislation creating a carbon sequestration network in Pennsylvania and expanded the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards. The Committee also took action on an electronics recycling bill. The legislation includes: --House Bill 80 (Vitali-D-Delaware) creating a carbon sequestration network and expanding the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards; and -- House Bill 708 (Ross-R-Chester) establishing an electronics waste recycling program. “This bill (House Bill 80) is important for both the environment and the economy," Rep. Vitali said. "If enacted, it would remove 16 million tons of carbon dioxide per year from the atmosphere, which equates to 3 million cars being taken off the road. This legislation also would create good-paying jobs and economic growth, which is a distinct advantage in our economic recovery efforts." Both Reps. Chris Ross, R-Chester, and Eugene DePasquale (D-York), have provided input on the bill throughout the process. Ross amended the bill in committee to reflect agreed-to changes that were developed through a stakeholder process.
"Passage of this bill would make a progressive update to our alternative energy program," Rep. DePasquale said. "It's a clear path toward making Pennsylvania a leader in alternative energy, and would, in turn, create a cleaner, more efficient and more cost-effective energy system for Pennsylvanians."
"We can lead the nation by developing this cutting-edge technology to capture and sequester carbon emitted from the burning of coal. It is crucial to protecting our environment, and it will create new jobs and increase our economic growth," Rep. Vitali said.
Rep. Ross said good work was done on the bill, but acknowledged there was more work needed before the bill is ready for action by the full House.
Rep. Camille George (D-Clearfield) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Minority Chair.
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6/19/2009 |
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