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Sen. Yudichak Supports President Obama's Energy Efficiency Plan
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Following President Barack Obama’s visit to Penn State’s Main campus where he discussed his plans energy conservation and investing in clean energy this week, Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) said he is glad that the president is putting the spotlight on clean energy.

            “As Democratic Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy committee, as well as a concerned citizen, I believe that investing in clean energy is an innovative and safe way to provide energy to homes and businesses while creating opportunities for economic growth in PA,” Sen. Yudichak said. “I applaud the President for making clean energy a top priority.”
            Last month, in his state of the union address, President Obama promoted a clean energy plan aimed at improving the environment, cutting costs and creating jobs in the industry. His proposals include:
-- Tax breaks for companies who make their buildings energy efficient;
-- A “Race to Green” grant program to encourage state and local governments to emphasize energy efficiency;
-- Broader access to financing for businesses that want to make energy-saving upgrades, and loan guarantees for hospitals, schools and companies to do the same;
-- Competitive grants for states and local governments that make it easier for companies to upgrade their buildings;
-- More training for workers in the field of commercial building technology; and
-- Obama plans to challenge CEOs and university presidents to commit to making their buildings more energy-efficient.
            Sen. Yudichak also lauded the Penn State Hazleton campus for being on the forefront of clean energy innovation. The Hazleton campus started an engineering program last year, committed to alternative energy and power generation. In addition to their engineering courses, students in the program will also take in-depth classes on converting solar, wind and geothermal power to electricity.
            “This program gives our engineering students a head start on making an impact in the clean energy industry," Sen. Yudichak said. “Programs like this will boost Pennsylvania’s standing as a clean energy leader in the U.S.”
            Sen. Yudichak added that Pennsylvania has always been at the forefront of the clean energy industry, with initiatives like the Alternative and Clean Energy Program, which provides financial assistance to clean energy projects in the Commonwealth.  
            Sen. Yudichak said that he will continue to boost programs that enhance Pennsylvania’s clean energy efforts and create lasting jobs in Pennsylvania.
            “I will continue to work with my colleagues in the legislature and the community to ensure that Pennsylvania remains on the cutting edge of clean energy innovation,” Sen. Yudichak said. “With the nation rapidly turning to alternative sources of energy, we must ensure that Pennsylvania can effectively compete with other states and bring quality jobs to the Commonwealth through our clean energy initiatives.”
            NewsClips: Obama Touts Energy Efficient Buildings
                                Obama At Penn State Promotes Energy, Jobs
                                Obama Talks Energy Efficiency At Penn State
                                Obama Promotes Energy Ideas At Penn State
                                Obama Tours Penn State Engineering Lab
                                President Announces New Energy Efficiency Plan In State College
                                PA GOP Chair Criticizes Obama Visit, Policies

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2/7/2011

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