Letter To Speaker Pelosi, PA Delegation Urges Support For Udall-Platts Amendment Requiring 15 Percent Renewable Energy By 2020
 
August 2, 2007 -- HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today urged U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) to support legislation requiring the nation’s utility providers to use a greater portion of clean and renewable technologies to meet America’s energy demands.
 
In a letter, which was also sent to members of Pennsylvania’s congressional House delegation, the Governor said an amendment offered by Reps. Mark Udall (D-CO) and Todd Platts (R-PA) creates a stronger federal requirement that will support the historic alternative energy law the commonwealth passed in 2004 and recently improved.
 
“This week, the U.S. House of Representatives has a historic opportunity to exhibit real leadership in addressing the nation’s energy future,” Governor Rendell wrote. “By supporting the Udall-Platts amendment, you can send a signal that America is committed to increasing our use of renewable energy sources, diversifying our nation’s energy supply and reducing the country’s dependence on foreign fuel imports.
 
“The Udall-Platts amendment will complement the progress we have made in Pennsylvania. Two weeks ago, I signed a bill strengthening the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act we enacted in 2004. This act, along with our commitment to renewable energy technologies and strategic investments, have helped spark exciting new economic development projects in the commonwealth that generated a billion dollars worth of activity and created 2,500 new jobs.
 
“A stronger commitment by the federal government that further encourages the use of renewable technologies will greatly support our efforts,” said Governor Rendell.
 
For more information on Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act and energy initiatives, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us.