HR224    A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to
establish a working group to develop an energy strategy for Pennsylvania
that promotes the efficient use of energy by residential, commercial,
industrial, government, transportation and power generation users within
this Commonwealth and promotes the development and production of new
sources of petroleum and alternatives to petroleum products within this
Commonwealth. Passed  6/5/01

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Here is some info released prior to the passing of the resolution 
that explains it in more detail. 

June 6, 2001

Bard Continues To Take Lead On Energy Policy

HARRISBURG—State government will investigate policies that foster efficient use of energy and the use of alternatives to petroleum in the Commonwealth thanks to a resolution authored by Montgomery County lawmaker Rep. Ellen M. Bard (R-153) and adopted by the House of Representatives.

"State governments should provide the leadership for developing energy policies which address local demand for petroleum," Bard said. "If each state met its own needs through production or alternatives, collectively much would be accomplished toward stabilizing energy prices and protecting our economic health and our national security interests.

"I hope this resolution will allow Pennsylvania to provide a model for other states to follow."

Specifically, Bard’s House Resolution 224 directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish a working group to develop an energy strategy for Pennsylvania that:

1)  Promotes the efficient use of energy by residential commercial, industrial, government, transportation and power generation users within the Commonwealth.

2)  Promotes the development and production of new sources of petroleum and alternatives to petroleum products within this Commonwealth.

The working group will be comprised of legislators, scientists, representatives of State and local government, experts in the production and use of traditional and alternative energy, experts in environmental and economic issues related to energy and other experts.

The Joint State Government Commission must report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives as soon as possible.

Bard is the General Assembly’s leading champion of energy independence. Last session, she authored a resolution memorializing Congress to develop an energy strategy meeting the goal of energy independence from foreign petroleum. Her colleagues adopted the measure unanimously.

In 2000, Speaker Matthew J. Ryan (R-168) appointed Bard to the National Conference of State Legislature’s Energy and Transportation Committee, enabling her to have an integral role in moving the issue of energy independence to the forefront of the national agenda.

"By working with federal lawmakers and state policymakers across the nation, we can achieve energy independence." Bard said. "We must do so because America’s pervasive dependence on foreign resources imperils our economy and our national security. Pennsylvania can be a role model for other states to follow."