Says Pennsylvania Acting Aggressively to Expand Green Economy, Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell said today that America can spur a lasting and sustainable economic recovery while addressing one of the greatest global environmental challenges if it follows Pennsylvania's lead by investing in clean energy alternatives and combating climate change.

Pennsylvania's leadership on this issue, he said, has created thousands of jobs and taken action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by tens of millions of tons.

"I've always believed that environmental challenges are economic opportunities in disguise," said Governor Rendell during a meeting in Pittsburgh with representatives of environmental organizations based in Washington, D.C.

"Pennsylvania's achievements in reducing our use of carbon-heavy fuels, putting our people to work developing clean energy technologies, and promoting conservation and efficiency is the perfect example. We've brought major new energy and technology companies to our state that employ thousands of workers in wind, solar and other high-growth industries. And, at the same time, we've taken steps to reduce emissions of climate changing greenhouse gases that threaten to alter our way of life drastically and decimate our economy."

Since 2003, Pennsylvania has invested $900 million in developing and deploying advanced energy technologies through approximately 560 projects that have created or retained 8,300 jobs in every corner of the state. The Pew Charitable Trusts ranked Pennsylvania third in the nation for green jobs earlier this year.

The commonwealth has also adopted an Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard and one of the nation's most ambitious energy conservation laws. Combined, these actions will reduce annual carbon emissions by 15 million tons in 2020. The state also adopted the California Clean Car Rule.

Together, these three actions will reduce Pennsylvania's greenhouse gas emissions 9 percent in 2020, or 5 percent below 2000 levels.

"Pennsylvania has made great strides in addressing these issues. We can do more though as a state and as a nation," the Governor added, saying the state is working on legislation to expand its portfolio standard by using a greater share of solar energy and to enact a statewide green building code.

"By committing to serious investments in clean energy alternatives and by enacting substantive federal legislation to curb carbon pollutants, we can put more of our citizens to work and help families save on their utility bills," said Governor Rendell. "At a time when our nation is beginning to recover from a national recession, taking this kind of bold action will stimulate that turnaround sooner."

The Governor pointed to recent reports that illustrate the economic potential of this type of action. According to the Center for American Progress, investing in renewable energy now will create 1.7 million good-paying jobs repowering America, including 70,000 in Pennsylvania.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy found that if Congress passes an energy and climate bill with strengthened energy efficiency provisions, Pennsylvania households would save an average of $269 per year in reduced energy costs and the state would create 27,200 jobs over the next decade.

"Many business and industrial forces oppose these measures and are lobbying heavily to defeat them because they're perceived as a threat to their interests," warned the Governor. "However, the interests of our economy, our people and our planet must prevail.

"Other nations are realizing the importance of renewable energy development and strong policies to combat climate change. If America sits back and waits, this opportunity will pass us by."

Visit www.pa.gov or www.depweb.state.pa.us for more information on Governor Rendell's efforts to build a green economy in Pennsylvania.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his newsletter, visit: www.governor.state.pa.us.

    CONTACT:
    Gary Tuma
    717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

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