The second TV program in the IssuesPA 2008 series entitled, “Energy and Infrastructure: Where We Need To Be” will be aired soon on public televisions stations across Pennsylvania.

The series is sponsored by: The Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities, WITF-TV and the Pennsylvania Public Television Network, as well as the Pennsylvania Economy League, The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, and the Department of Community and Economic Development.

This program is the second episode in a series of four programs airing in the first six months of 2008 that will focus on the issues most critical to the state's economic competitiveness and community vitality.

Hosted by WITF-TV's Nell McCormack Abom, Energy and Infrastructure: Where We Need To Be features guests that include: John Quain, Pennsylvanians for Reliable Power, David Patti, President/CEO, PA Business Council, Terry Kauffman, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania, Nathan Willcox, Energy and Clean Air Advocate, Penn Environment, Michael Love, President/CEO, Energy Association of PA, Building Green, Maureen Guttman, Director, Governor's Green Government Council and Marcus Sheffer, Green Building Consultant, The Seven Group.

The program will seek to answer questions like: Will Pennsylvania grow or change based on energy and infrastructure needs? Will people decide to live closer to where they work because of the high cost of energy? What forms of energy will replace what we use today? Is the alternative energy industry the next great force to grow the economy? What part does conservation play? Are we building green in Pennsylvania and what does that mean? What will it cost? What's driving the move toward getting greener?

On the transportation infrastructure issue, the program will answer questions like: What are Pennsylvania's greatest transportation needs? Should we be focusing attention on existing transportation infrastructure or building new roads? As fuel costs rise, will more people choose mass transit?

Transportation issue guests include: Rick Hogg, Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration, Department of Transportation, Andrew Hilt, Executive Vice President, American Council of Engineering Companies of PA and Laverne Collins, Director of the Bureau of Public Transportation, Department of Transportation.

The programs in the IssuesPA 2008 series focus on issues affecting Pennsylvania voters, their families and communities, providing an in-depth examination of several multi-faceted issues that influence Pennsylvanians' lives - today and in the future.

Each 60 minute episode of IssuesPA 2008 features diverse viewpoints and examples of how different areas of Pennsylvania have adapted to the changing landscape.

The next two installments of IssuesPA 2008 are Health Care: The Pulse of Reform and Government: For the People, By the People? Each episode will be hosted by WITF's Nell McCormack Abom.

Please check your local listings or check the IssuesPA 2008 website.

4/4/2008