PEC Comments on Federal Energy Bill

Brian Hill, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, issued this statement in response to the final adoption and signing of the federal energy bill today that includes a mandate for the use of biofuels in transportation, increases fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, sets energy efficiency standards for appliances, offers tax incentives for purchasing hybrid vehicles and encourages green building construction:

“The new federal energy bill is a great Christmas present for everyone concerned about global warming and promoting our energy independence.  Increasing the use of biofuels and setting aggressive fuel efficiency standards for vehicles were two key strategies recommended in PEC’s Climate Roadmap for Pennsylvania in June.

“To meet our goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2025 in Pennsylvania, we still need to take action on nearly 40 recommendations made in the Roadmap in the areas of renewable energy, agriculture, land use, forestry, carbon sequestration and energy efficiency.

“We congratulate and thank all of the federal legislators from Pennsylvania and around the country who supported the Energy Bill, and we look forward to the President signing the legislation.

“There is, however, still work to be done in Pennsylvania.  Final action is expected on state legislation in January sponsored by Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware) and Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) that requires Pennsylvania to develop a Climate Change Action plan.  This is a logical follow up to the federal energy bill today.”