House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee chairman Rep. Bill Adolph (R-Delaware) said this week’s informational hearing on the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming was important in answering questions.

"This was an important meeting that provided valuable information to members of the committee on an issue that affects not only Pennsylvania or the United States, but the entire world," said Rep. Adolph. "We learned a great deal about what other states and governments are doing that could perhaps slow the progression of global warming. What we learned today will definitely be taken into consideration when creating a statewide energy plan for Pennsylvania."

Those testifying at the committee meeting were Dr. Richard Alley from the Department of Geosciences at Pennsylvania State University; Dr. Adam Rose from the Department of Geography at Pennsylvania State University; and Joy Bergey, project director for Pennsylvania Interfaith Climate Change Campaign.

Testifiers emphasized the impact of global warming, such as stronger storms, rising sea levels, the loss of certain habitats, flora and animal species, and the impact to agriculture – to name a few.

Experts congratulated Pennsylvania on adopting an advanced energy portfolio standard that encourages clean, renewable and efficient energy production from the state's own resources.

"Pennsylvania is a leader in progressive energy strategies and we will continue to improve our methods and standards in the future," said Adolph. "The information gathered from this meeting will serve us well as we move forward on creating an energy plan. I look forward to further discussion on this and other energy issues."

1/13/2006