As the issue of reducing greenhouse gases continues to capture the headlines, Rep. Tim Solobay (D-Washington) wants to make sure Pennsylvania's efforts to help the environment are not hurting the economy.

Rep. Solobay has introduced House Bill 2014 (not yet online) that would provide for a study of how the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act of 2004 is impacting the Commonwealth's manufacturing economy, energy prices, energy production and consumption and personal income.

"It is very difficult for one state to reduce emissions within its borders due to leakage from surrounding states," Rep. Solobay said. "Therefore, I think we need to look before we leap, study the issue, and make sure our efforts to clean the air are not placing undo burden on our citizens and businesses."

House Bill 2014 would examine whether mandated reductions in Pennsylvania's emissions would actually lead to a real reduction in national greenhouse gasses. The legislation would also examine both the economic impact and emission reduction potentially achieved by Pennsylvania's participation in the Northeast Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

Enacted in November 2004 and amended earlier this year, AEPS requires that by 2020 at least 18 percent of electric energy sold by a distribution company or generation supplier to a retail customer in the Commonwealth must be from alternative energy sources.

House Bill 2014 is supported by the United Mine Workers and the Pennsylvania Coal Association.

11/2/2007