Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware), chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, this week announced the Committee will focus on discussing issues involved in finding a secure, reliable and affordable energy supply for Pennsylvania.

"In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, with the nation facing increased gas prices and anticipated high winter heating bills, Pennsylvania needs to take a hard look at how it uses energy, its opportunities for conservation, and its overall energy resources to create both short- and long-term energy policies," said Adolph. "I will be leading the committee in a series of hearings with the help of the best and brightest experts Pennsylvania has to offer to develop these policies. Pennsylvania is home to cutting-edge energy industries, academic institutions conducting world-class research and development along with some of the most progressive energy policies in the nation. We must build upon these successes and expertise to create a smart energy future for Pennsylvania."

The Energy Information Agency of the U.S. Department of Energy noted that in 2002-03 the average price of a gallon of heating oil was $1.34, and an average bill for a heating season was $993. It projects the price for a gallon of heating oil for the 2005-06 heating season to be $2.26, and an average heating bill estimated to reach $1,486.

"By developing a comprehensive energy plan, we can lessen the Commonwealth's reliance on foreign oil by reducing our own energy consumption and advance our own indigenous resources while protecting the environment," said Adolph.

Global demand for oil was 79 million barrels a day in 2002, 82.5 million barrels a day in 2003 and 84 million barrels a day in 2004--an increase of about 2 million barrels per day each year.

Adolph said the Committee will be holding hearings beginning in October on topics such as energy efficiency, renewable fuels and renewable energy technologies, overall energy supply and demand, and bolstering research and development efforts.

"The lack of any strategic energy plan is a dangerous proposition in today's fuel-centered society. I look forward to coming out of these hearings with concrete information that can lead to real legislative energy reforms and proposals," said Adolph.

9/23/2005