Toward energy independence

To the editor:

Pennsylvania is taking several steps toward energy independence.

House Bill 1200 would expand the Pa. Economic Development Authority, and encourage energy efficiency and conservation and local alternative energy production through rebates, grants, loans, and other incentives.

HB 1202, the Clean Fuels and Energy Independence Act, would accelerate Pennsylvania's growing biofuels industry.

HB 1203 would increase Pennsylvania's clean-energy capabilities, emphasizing solar, hydro and wind power.

Still, moving Pennsylvania toward energy independence, while creating 35,000 jobs and saving $10 billion over the next 10 years, hinges on approval of his HB 1201. None of the other responsible goals of the strategy --improving the environment, creating jobs and protecting consumers -- is possible without HB 1201.

It would seed an $850 million Energy Independence Fund that would fuel Pennsylvania's advances in conservation, clean energy and energy diversification.

The charge -- less than $6 a year for homeowners - should save those consumers nearly almost $75 a year in energy savings.

House Bill 1201 would enable Pennsylvania to act now to counter the job- and economy-killing electric rate increases looming on the horizon. We must take bold action on energy now or remain forever weak, dependent and beholden to special interests.

Rep. Camille George

Clearfield County