Patrick Henderson, Gov. Corbett’s Energy Executive, this week responded to charges by PennFuture the Corbett Administration’s energy policy is “completely and totally reliant on fossil fuels to build the state’s economy.”

PennFuture also noted a recent op-ed on energy issues by Henderson and DEP Secretary Michael Krancer did not mention climate change, renewable energy, or the environmental impacts of carbon-based fuels.

In a letter responding to PennFuture Friday, Henderson said there is a “vast economic and clean energy potential being realized here in Pennsylvania thanks to our abundant natural gas resources is nothing short of a worldwide phenomenon.  However, lest you think this op-ed represents a myopic view of state energy policy filtered through the lens of natural gas, let me assure you this is not the case.”

He goes on to say, “Gov. Corbett is practicing what he preaches, embracing a true “all of the above” approach to Pennsylvania’s energy resources.  Gone are the days of pitting one energy resource against another while demonizing our fellow Pennsylvanians who every day earn an honest living by helping to keep our lights on.”

“As Gov. Corbett has often noted, we are fortunate to have many energy resources beyond  coal and gas.  He is committed to our Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, which includes solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower, waste coal, biomass and other resources. At the dedication of Aqua Pennsylvania’s new solar farm near Phoenixville, Gov. Corbett highlighted the emission-free, low-cost benefits the facility will provide to Aqua and its customers.”

“In contrast to Gov. Corbett, your energy policy to date seems to be quite cynical: subsidize and mandate the ones you like; tax and obstruct those you do not.  In addition to raising costs to Pennsylvania consumers and exacerbating our dependence on foreign energy, your approach is fundamentally detrimental to those resources you espouse to support.  It stifles innovation and competition within these industries and undermines their own long-term viability and sustainability.  Your own myopic worldview regarding climate change ignores the fact that freezing in the dark while immersed in poverty is not an acceptable alternative for our citizens.”

“As you no doubt recall, last year your organization was forced to return $140,000 in state taxpayer dollars that you were to use for consumer outreach, but instead used for non-permitted purposes such as  your annual awards dinner.  I seriously doubt that the public would agree with how your organization has sought to spend taxpayer dollars.”

“In closing, it seems odd that, for an organization seemingly dedicated to sound environmental and energy policy, you have failed to discuss a single policy issue with the Corbett Administration in nearly two years.  A cynic may wonder whether you are merely more interested in generating false crises and the fundraising dollars that go with them to help replace the steady stream of government subsidies to which you had become so accustomed. An optimist may be more inclined to wonder whether you have simply misplaced our address.”

A copy of Henderson’s full response is available online.

12/17/2012