The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority now has available $3.5 million in funding for clean energy projects. Applications are due November 15.

In addition, Gov. Rendell this week announced the formation of a Renewable Agricultural Energy Council to recommend policies, regulations and legislation that would aid in the development of renewable energy from the agriculture community.

Funding for clean energy projects is available in the form of grants, loans or loan guarantees for a variety of electric power projects, including wind, solar, biomass, waste coal, coal gasification and others. Applied research projects related to electric power also are eligible to apply.

Proposed projects will be evaluated on a variety of criteria, including their ability to promote Pennsylvania’s indigenous energy resources, encourage energy diversity and enhance energy security. Projects will be judged on their potential to create jobs and stimulate investment in the Commonwealth. Potential environmental benefits, as well as technical feasibility and cost-effectiveness, also will be considered.

Legislation signed into law in July implementing the Growing Greener bond issue approved by voters provides up to $10 million annually to the Energy Development Authority to fund projects.

For more information, go to the PA Energy Development Authority webpage.

The Renewable Agriculture Energy Council was formed on September 20 when Gov. Rendell signed Executive Order 2005-8.

The secretaries of Agriculture and Environmental Protection will serve as co-chairs of the Renewable Agricultural Energy Council, with the Secretary of Agriculture serving the first term, and the 23 other members will be drawn from state agencies, the agriculture community and individuals with expertise in renewable energy.

In addition to making recommendations, the Council is to serve as the Governor’s liaison to the agriculture community on issues affecting the production of renewable energy, serve as a resource to all state agencies involved in this issue and provide guidance to help the industry establish the infrastructure necessary to deliver renewable energy sources to consumers in Pennsylvania.

For more information on agriculture related energy assistance, visit the www.PaGrows.com website.

NewsClips: Gov. Rendell Creates Renewable Agricultural Energy Council

10/14/2005