The Department of Environmental Protection this week announced it is accepting applications for the next round of Energy Harvest Grants. DEP anticipates $5 million will be available for the progam.

Applications must be postmarked by July 22.

The Energy Harvest Program provides financing for clean and renewable energy projects to be built in the Commonwealth from sources such as biomass, wind, solar, small-scale hydroelectric, landfill methane, coal-bed methane and waste-coal. This third round will fund deployment projects that promote awareness and build markets for cleaner or renewable energy technologies.

Local governments, conservation districts, nonprofit organizations and school districts, colleges and universities, and for some sources of funding, farms and businesses are eligible. Farmers interested in the grant program can apply through local conservation districts or other eligible organizations.

DEP is particularly interested in supporting proposals that are market-driven, spur investment, create jobs and produce economic development within Pennsylvania. Proposals should manage the state’s indigenous energy resources in a way that improves the environment, supports economic development and enhances quality of life.

DEP made the announcement at Petroleum Products Corp. in Middletown, Dauphin County, where Worley & Obetz, a Energy Harvest grant winner in 2004, is building the first available and commercially viable storage and blending system of biofuels in the state.

Biodiesel blends reduce emissions of particulate matter, sulfur and air toxics normally found in diesel fuel. Since biofuels can be produced from homegrown feedstock, increasing the use of biofuels contributes to state and national security, and supports farmers, keeping dollars in Pennsylvania and contributing to a healthy state economy.

In its first operating year, Worley & Obetz’s new facility will avoid 207,500 pounds of carbon monoxide, 17,845 pounds of particulate matter and 17,845 pounds of sulfur dioxide emissions annually. It replaces 2.5 million gallons of foreign oil with domestically produced biodiesel every year. This means Pennsylvania will not export $3.2 million in energy dollars in just the first year.

DEP anticipates posting applications on the Energy Harvest webpage in the near future.

5/6/2005