Gov. Tom Corbett announced Tuesday Pennsylvania is expanding its commitment to advance clean, alternative and renewable energy sources with the investment of more than $13.5 million in loans and grants through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.

“Today’s investments represent the success that can be achieved when state government, public and private entities and markets all work together to benefit all Pennsylvanians,” said Corbett. “The expansion of alternative, clean energy is resulting in cost savings for businesses and residents, new job opportunities, and a cleaner environment.”

The Commonwealth Financing Authority approved 13 projects through the state’s Alternative and Clean Energy Program in Adams, Chester, Columbia, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Montgomery, Perry and Philadelphia counties.

The state investments are projected to result in more than $75.7 million in additional economic investments.

The approved projects also included funding for five compressed natural gas fueling stations. The proliferation of fueling stations is expected to result in reduced emissions, fuel savings and the utilization of domestically produced natural gas.

“We have an available, abundant, domestic, economical and clean-burning supply of natural gas throughout Pennsylvania that can be used in a number of ways including to fuel our vehicles,” said Corbett. “Increasing the number of natural gas fueling stations in the state will grow the industry, boost our employment and result in a better environment.”

Changes Encourage Natural Gas

To encourage the development of public Compressed Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas fueling stations the CFA announced CNG/LNG policy changes which includes a 25 percent grant incentive for private CNG/LNG stations and a 40 percent grant incentive for publicly accessible CNG/LNG fueling stations. The overall grant and loan combination would be capped at 50 percent of the total project cost.

The ACE Program provides financial assistance in the form of grants and loan funds that will be used by eligible applicants for the utilization, development and construction of alternative and clean energy projects in the state.

The HPB program provides financial assistance in the forms of grants and loan funds to underwrite the cost premiums associated with the design and construction or major renovation of high performance buildings in the state.

A running list of approved ACES Projects is available online.

The Alternative and Clean Energy Program is still accepting applications for the next round of funding.

NewsClip: PA Gives $2 Million To Build Natural Gas Stations

9/23/2013