2008-04-21 23:53:22 -

www.pennfuture.org - Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future Jeanne K. Clark, 412-258-6683 Statement of John Hanger, president and CEO, Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture):

"Pennsylvania's pivotal election, coinciding this year with Earth Day, provides a clear reminder to elected officials that voters want action, not just campaign promises. And nowhere is that action more crucial and immediately necessary

than on the issue of energy.

"Since last November's election, energy costs have continued to spiral out of sight, with gasoline, natural gas and all the fossil fuels used to make electricity reaching historic highs. Families and businesses have little recourse but to continue to pay these sky high bills, without the tools to cut energy use, nor funding for clean, fuel-free electricity like solar or wind power.

"In short, Pennsylvanians are stuck paying for the failure to provide the tools and funding to move into the 21st Century energy economy.

"In February, 2007 Governor Rendell proposed a new energy policy that would give families and businesses the tools they need to save energy, and would build the green energy sector here in the state. Despite many promises, very few pieces of that energy policy have passed, while the price of gasoline, coal and natural gas have skyrocketed, and the end of rate caps on consumers' electricity bills comes closer.

"Last year, some in the State Senate argued that budget negotiations were an inappropriate venue for new energy policy. A Special Session on energy was convened, and all involved hoped that energy legislation would be seriously considered and passed.

"But as we approach yet another budget negotiation, we still do not have the tools and funding necessary to let Pennsylvania compete, nor have we taken the steps necessary to use energy smarter. Consumers are still unable to meaningfully control their electricity bills, and our neighboring states are rapidly attracting the clean energy investors that should be ours.

"Two bills which have already passed the House, the Energy Savings Bill - House Bill 2200, and the Clean Energy Funding Bill - Special Session House Bill 1, would give families and businesses the tools and information they need to cut costs and their energy bills, fight global warming, and create Great Green Jobs in Pennsylvania. These bills are now in the Senate, waiting for action.

"By taking prompt action on these bills, the Senate could give all Pennsylvanians a real Earth Day present. Let's not let another Earth Day - or Election Day - go by without definitive action to help our families and businesses get clean energy and reduce the sky high energy prices."

The Campaign for Great Green Jobs, a project of PennFuture

www.GreatGreenJobsforPA.org

Statement of John Hanger, President and CEO, Citizens for
Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture)