With concerns about global warming and the economy continuing to make headlines, Pennsylvania took a critical step towards addressing both issues by voting to pass House Bill 2200, which will establish a new statewide energy efficiency and conservation program.
The Bill, backed by PennEnvironment, requires Pennsylvania utilities
to cut electricity use 1% by May, 2011 and 3% by May,
2013, as compared to projected energy use from June, 2009 through May,
2010.
The bill also requires utilities to cut "peak demand" (the 100
hours of highest energy demand annually) by 4.5% by May, 2013,
as compared to peak demand from June, 2007 through May, 2008.
The Senate approved its amended version of the bill yesterday afternoon with a 47-3 vote, and the House later voted 186-4 to concur with the Senate version. The bill will now be sent to Gov. Rendell, who is expected to sign it into law.
"For too long, Pennsylvania’s environment and our economy have been losing out because of our runaway energy use," said Nathan Willcox, Energy & Clean Air Advocate for PennEnvironment. "By passing House Bill 2200, the state Senate have helped Pennsylvania take a critical first step towards reaping the environmental and economic benefits of reigning in this energy waste."
It is estimated that this reduction in electricity use will result in a cut in projected global warming pollution equivalent to taking more than 1 million cars off the road for a year. In addition, with the caps on electricity rates set to expire in the coming years-and expected rate hikes as high as 60%–this bill will help to lessen the blow of higher electricity rates by lowering overall energy use.
The legislation also includes a set of penalties for utilities that fail to develop energy reduction plans on time, and for utilities that fail to meet the energy savings targets.
"Energy efficiency is the cheapest and easiest way to cut pollution while protecting consumers and businesses from increasing electricity rates," said Willcox. "After going far too long without a statewide plan to cut our energy use, Pennsylvania will now finally have a roadmap in place for a smarter energy future."
Last July, the state enacted the Pennsylvania Climate Change Act, creating a greenhouse gas registry and ordering the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a plan to reduce statewide emissions.
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