Mr. Speaker,

As Chair of the Subcommittee on Energy of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, I would respectfully encourage a yes vote on SB1030.  The United States has been whipsawed by world energy markets for over 30 years.  The warning call that came in the form of the 1970’s first OPEC embargo has not been answered.  We are more dependent on foreign oil than ever, now importing nearly 60% of the economic lifeblood of our well-being.  To make matters even worse, we are also more vulnerable now because we have also become dependent on imported supplies of natural gas.

 

The November 15 issue of Barron’s and recent articles in Forbes and other business journals delineate a new crisis of resource depletion and of increased demand generated by China and emerging third world economies.

 

Despite decades of relatively ineffectual federal energy policy, state laboratories of democracy have proven that renewable portfolio standards are the most effective way to establish viable energy alternatives.  Texas, which implemented an RPS under then Governor George Bush, is viewed as the model, with more new wind resources coming on line faster than mandated in that law.  Consider the potential economic benefit to business of 5-6 cent per KWH of wind power versus current highly priced natural gas fired electricity.  Its time for Pennsylvania to join those states leading the way to energy security and to reclaim its rightful historical role of being first in energy. 

 

SB1030 is important for our Commonwealth’s economic development, our environment and most importantly, our energy security.  I respectfully ask for a yes vote on SB1030.

 

Thank you Mr. Speaker.