Rep. George (D-Clearfield), Democratic chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, this week called on Gov. Rendell to convene a special legislative session on Pennsylvania's energy needs.

"Pennsylvania has been lurching toward a meltdown on energy prices, assistance and availability for many years," said Rep. George. "This could be our last, best chance to avoid an energy catastrophe."

In a letter, Rep. George urged Gov. Rendell to convene a special session so legislation could be tendered to address the following:

· Record motor and heating fuel prices;

· Skyrocketing utility terminations;

· An ineffective and under-funded safety net compounded by stagnant medium incomes and rising poverty rates;

· Mass transit and road/bridge construction funding and Pennsylvania's motor-fuels taxes;

· In-state diesel/heating oil reserves; and

· Resurrecting the Pennsylvania Energy Office as the lead agency over energy concerns.

Rep. George also noted that Pennsylvanians face another double-digit increase in heating oil and energy prices as well as flat heating assistance funding from the federal government and a zero state supplement to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

"Reacting piecemeal every time energy prices spike, shortages occur or the weather turns severe is neither efficient nor compassionate government," Rep. George said. "Unheeded warnings led to a catastrophe in New Orleans, and a special session is needed to reduce Pennsylvania's vulnerability on energy."

Under Pennsylvania's Constitution, a special session of the Legislation can be called by the governor in the public interest or by petition to the governor of a majority of the General Assembly. When convened in special session, the Legislature can only consider bills dealing with subjects designated in the proclamation.

9/9/2005