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Miscellaneous
Committee Reports Reports provided
by PA Legislative Services INDEPENDENT REGULATORY REVIEW
COMMISSION Consideration of 6 regs, including emissions
and alternative energy regs By Nate
Collins & Kimberly Hess, PLS Regulation No. 2523 Environmental
Quality Board #7-398: Pennsylvania Clean Vehicle Program was approved by a vote of 4-1,
with Chairman Alvin Bush voting in the negative. IRRC staff explained that the EPA
allows states to choose between the federal Tier II and the California Air
Resources Board's Low Emission Vehicle (CA LEV) standards. It was explained
that this regulation will update existing regulations to keep the CA LEV
standards in place. Under the regulation, the requirements will not be
enforced until 2008. Staff then said the Commission received two substantive
comments on the final-form regulation, including a letter from Senators Roger
Madigan (R-Bradford) and Mary Jo White (R-Venango). Gene Barr, PA Chamber of Business
and Industry Vice President of Political and Regulatory Affairs, spoke in opposition
to the regulation. He commented that previous studies of the Commissioner David Barasch inquired about the number of states north and
east of Chairman Craig Shuey,
Executive Director of the Senate Transportation Committee, also spoke in
opposition to the regulation. He told the commissioners that Chairman Roger
Madigan issued a statement on this regulation, noting his concern that the
current interpretation of the regulation doesn't meet the intent when it was
adopted in 1998. Had there been a concern about Jan Jarrett, Vice President for PennFuture, spoke in support of the regulation. She told
the commissioners they have the opportunity to save $7.9 billion for Charles Territo,
from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, spoke in opposition to the
regulation. Following up on an earlier question from Commissioner Barasch, he said when DEP Secretary Kathleen McGinty said there are various views of the history of
these regulations. She stated that in her position she must follow the
regulations that are on the books, adding that Commissioner Barasch
asked if not using this program to reach federal clean air requirements will
cause more regulation to be placed on power plants. Secretary McGinty confirmed this to be true. Chairman Bush said everyone is in
support of clean air but House Democratic Policy Committee The
House Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing on House Bill
2744. HB 2744 Vitali - (PN 4182) Amends Title 27
(Environmental Resources) providing for Municipal Climate Change Action Plans. The bill
creates the Municipal Climate Change Action Plan Grant Program to provide
financial assistance to a municipality or a group of municipalities for the
preparation of municipal greenhouse gas inventories and municipal climate
change action plans. A municipality or a group of municipalities that is
awarded a grant would provide to the department a copy of the municipal
greenhouse gas inventory and the municipal climate change action plan upon
their respective completion. The bill appropriates $300,000 to DEP for the
fiscal year 2006-2007 to carry out the provisions of the chapter. Members
in attendance included Representatives Greg Vitali
( Rep.
Vitali opened the meeting by remarking on the
importance of his legislation. He stated global warming is one of the most
important environmental issues facing the planet, as it will lead to melting
of glaciers, flooding and more powerful storms. Global warming, he explained,
is caused by increased emissions of greenhouse gases, largely from the
burning of fossil fuels. Rep. Vitali stated the US
Government isn't doing anything to reduce these emissions, so it is up to the
state and local governments to step up. He stated his legislation will
encourage municipalities to address greenhouse gases as a local issue by
distributing grants to municipalities to do a greenhouse gas inventory and
develop a strategic action plan for reduction. Lou
Thieblemont, Mayor of Camp Hill, discussed his efforts to increase
conservation and efficiency in Camp Hill and expressed his support for HB 2744, stating it will help him in his initiative to find a
baseline of carbon usage in Camp Hill. He noted the existence of current
programs, which come with a cost, and stated the legislation would assist in
the study of borough usage patterns and come up with plans to reduce
greenhouse gases. Thieblemont also noted his
personal efforts to reduce emissions, remarking that he bikes or walks
whenever possible. He expressed hope for grants that will allow him to
quantify the savings from his efforts. He concluded by arguing that simple
efforts to increase efficiency can have an affect, noting that it costs $5.60
to run a standard 100 watt light bulb each month. Rep.
Eachus asked what the mayor is doing to incentivize change and how the legislature can help. Thieblemont noted he took office in May, so he hasn't had
a lot of time to do much, but in that time efforts have begun to replace
traffic lights with LED lights where possible. He commented on the importance
of being able to show that conservation efforts are directly resulting in
decreased costs. Rep. Eachus then remarked that he
was surprised recently when traveling to see that some states are using SUVs
for police enforcement. He then asked what can be done at the state level to
reduce emissions. Thieblemont stated Camp Hill
police patrol on bicycles, which provides an element of stealth and
efficiency. Rep. Eachus noted motorcycles can be
useful in more rural municipalities. Thieblemont
replied the local Harley Davidson dealership has a loan program that allows
police to use their motorcycles. He stressed the importance of first setting
a baseline of emissions and then developing plans to reduce those emissions. Rep.
Caltagirone expressed his support for the bill,
stating it is a good first step. He noted efforts at the state level,
including the Governor's mandate of fuel efficient purchasing and air
conditioning is turned up in the capitol complex. He agreed that governments
should gauge their emissions and then implement savings techniques, noting
that cost savings from conservation efforts can be passed on to taxpayers. Jim
Yienger, Director, International Council for Local Environmental
Initiatives (ICLEI), USA Policy Institute, explained that his organization is
a local government organization dedicated to solving problems with local
action. He stated HB 2744 provides resources, which is one of the most
effective things government can do, but suggested that the grants be scaled
to the size of the municipality. He noted that 170 ICLEI municipalities
across the country saved $500 million following efforts to reduce emissions. Yienger stated just a small intervention provides a lot
of return, noting that grants can bring together entities such as
universities and community groups. He concluded by stating the legislation
provides an opportunity for PA to be a leader. Rep.
Eachus asked about the size of the 170
municipalities that participated in the program to reduce emissions. Yienger replied the size varied from about 20,000
residents to Rep.
Vitali asked about some of the more common
conservation policies. Yienger replied energy
efficiency in lighting, landfill intervention to capture methane,
more efficient vehicle fleet purchasing and biodiesel
are common. He stated the 10-15% target reduction can be reached immediately
with implementation of such technologies. John
Dernbach, a Professor of Law at Rep.
Caltagirone discussed HB 1413, which passed the House
last year, explaining that the bill would provide tax credits to animal waste
recycling facilities. He remarked DEP and the Department of Revenue expressed
concerns with the bill, but it is already being undertaken in PA and across
the country. He also noted a plant in Rep.
Kotik commented that homes being built today are
huge and consume energy. He asked about incentives to build more efficiently.
Dernbach replied today's homes are more efficient
than older homes, however, he continued, that increased efficiency may be
lessened due to the larger size and the number of appliances. He suggested
that building codes could require efficiency, but added that the bigger need
is for existing housing to be retrofitted and upgrades to increase
efficiency. He stated there is potential for substantial savings in upgrading
existing housing. Rep.
Vitali asked about policy options that could
benefit homeowners and reduce greenhouse gases. Yienger
remarked that is a challenge, but is possible through incentives or by
requiring it in building codes. Rep. Vitali asked
about quantifying reductions, but Yienger remarked
that may be difficult. Rep.
Vitali then asked about suggestions for improving
the language in the bill. Dernbach suggested that
funding could be stretched by turning the grants into loans, which would be
paid back with the savings in energy cost. He also suggested integrating the
program with the Center for Local Government Services in the Department of
Community and Economic Development and making the payments on scale with the size
of the municipality. Rep.
Caltagirone concluded the meeting by remarking it
would be great if more hearings like this could be held across the state. Kimberly
Hess, PLS SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE Consideration of bills By Lynn Deary, PLS
HB 10 Semmel - (PN 2399) Amends the Bingo Law by further defining "bona fide member" by deleting the requirement that a member of an association has to be a member for at least one year. The bill increases license fees for nonprofit associations, senior citizen groups and agricultural associations. The legislation also raises the maximum prize for jackpot games from $2,000 in one day to $8,000 in one day. Associations would be required to obtain a signature receipt from the winner of any prize greater than $600. Lastly, the bill requires an association to submit a financial report on their bingo activities with each application for bingo license renewal. (Prior Printer Number: 909) - The bill was reported as amended by A08212 (Wozniak), which was stated to be technical in nature, and A07799 (Earll), which adds a winner take all provisions, clarifies leasing arrangements, restores advertising limitations and calls for an annual financial report to be filed. Senators Rob Wonderling (R-Montgomery), John Gordner (R-Columbia) and Gib Armstrong (R-Lancaster) voted against the bill as amended. Senator Browne inquired if, because there was such a significant increase in the fee, there had been any negative feedback to which he was told there had not been. It was noted that this is probably because the fee was now bi -annual instead of an annual one. Minority Chair Wozniak then went on to further inquire "just who is eligible and who is not, to hold bingo and small games of chance? And where does all the money go?" Addressing that question was Mike McLaughlin who represents Allied Charities of Pennsylvania. McLaughlin told the committee that the bill calls for license holders to file annual reports which will provide much of this information in regards to where the money goes. He further clarified that social clubs have had bingo since the 1981 law and that his charities would welcome further oversight and having a closer look taken at those who are and are not eligible. Chairman Earll commented that enforcement of the regulations is not even level across the state and hopefully when this bill passes these issues will get addressed. Sen. Anthony Williams stated that there would probably be amendments on the Floor addressing the profit-nonprofit, charitable issue, as well as uniform enforcement. Chairwoman Earll then stated her intent was to report out the bill, but noted she is completely in agreement with accepting further amendments. Senator Gordner commented that because of gaming it appears that bingo and small games of chance prize levels will need to increase. Chairwoman Earll noted that the same has taken place with the lottery. Minority Chair Wozniak asked McLaughlin when was the last time the prize threshold was raised to which he was told, 1981 for bingo and 1989 for small games of chance. HB 11 Semmel - (PN 2400) Amends the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act further providing for prize limits by adding that the maximum cash value that may be awarded for any single chance would be $1,000 (increased from $500). The legislation states that an eligible organization may award up to $20,000 (increased from $5,000) in cash or merchandise in a seven-day period. Progressive games would be permitted with a maximum cash value of $25,000. The legislation states that insured games must be backed by a valid insurance contract issued by an insurance company. The bill would require organizations to report all prize payouts worth $600 or more to the department. License renewal would be changed from annual renewal to biennial and the license fee would be increased from $100 to $300. Additionally, a limited occasion license fee would be increased from $10 to $30. Lastly, the bill allows for the department to conduct background checks on each person who signs a license application. (Printer Number: 910) - The bill was reported as amended by A08215 (Wozniak), which was described to the committee as technical in nature, and A08068 (Earll), which adds several provisions to the Local Small Games of Chance Act including raising the limit on weekly drawings from $5,000 to $20,000. Senators Wonderling, Gordner and Armstrong voted against the bill as amended. Senator Armstrong inquired of McLaughlin and the committee how many are licensees in PA. He was told 22,000 to 23,000 between bingo and small games of chance, 10% of which probably have liquor licenses. Senator Armstrong then stated that he felt that they are in competition with the taverns by passing on more favorable pricing on alcohol. McLaughlin told him that this would be illegal. Senator Gordner asked where the licenses are processed - is it in the county treasurers offices? The reply was yes and that even one day permit for raffles and such are included in the above numbers. Senator Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) stated that he had grave concerns in this area because of drinking and gambling going on both in the same locations and wanted to take a much greater look at the overall issue. Senator Browne asked McLaughlin how many license holders are complying with the Department of State requirements because he believes the filing requirements being added in this bill would be duplicative. McLaughlin noted that this was added at the request (filing of reporting requirements) of the District Attorneys Association and was supported by the Allied Charities. Chairwoman Earll ended the meeting by saying that the bill was a long way from being in its final stage but since it had been lingering in committee so long, it was time to get it out and worked on. The HOUSE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE met to the following bills: · SB
601 Wonderling - (PN 1239) Act relating to confidentiality of
Social Security numbers by prohibiting a person, entity, state agency, or
political subdivision from publicly posting a Social Security number,
printing the number on any cards required for individual access to products
or services, requiring an individual to transmit his or her Social Security
number over an insecure connection on the Internet, or print a Social
Security number on materials mailed to an individual unless Federal or State
law requires the number to be on the document mailed. Actions in violation of
the act would be considered a summary offense and punishable by a fine of
$50-$500, which would be distributed equally between the Crime Victim's
Compensation Fund and the Office of Attorney General for future identity
theft prevention. The bill will not apply to a financial institution, a
covered entity, or an entity subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The
legislation provides for criminal enforcement by district attorneys and the
Attorney General. (Prior Printer Number: 633, 896, 1142) - The bill was
unanimously reported as amended by A07144 (Fairchild), which removes Section 1(f) of the bill
pertaining to the courts, State agencies and political subdivisions and
replaces it with a new subsection (f) that provides guidance to the courts
and a new subsection (g) that provides guidance to state agencies and
political subdivisions with regard to access to public documents that contain
Social Security numbers. The amendment adds a penalty for second and
subsequent violations of the act and changes the effective date from July 1,
2006 to 180 days. The amendment also makes several technical changes. Rep.
Jim Wansacz (D-Lackawanna) asked if universities
would be affected by the bill. Staff replied no as they are neither state
agencies nor political subdivisions. Rep. Steve Samuelson (D-Northampton)
asked if passage of the bill would mean that the state would no longer be
able to print Social Security numbers on PACE cards. Staff confirmed this
would be true, commenting that they could develop a system that would tie and
individuals account number to a Social Security number for internal purposes.
Rep. Tina Pickett (R-Bradford) asked if the bill would affect death
certificates. Staff confirmed that it would. 4-4-06 SENATE DEMOCRATIC POLICY COMMITTEE Public hearing re mine safety By Nate Collins, PLS
The held a public hearing to
discuss new proposals to make Chairman Kasunic
said this meeting is necessary because of the dangers associated with mining.
He noted that Jay Scott Roberts, DEP Deputy
Secretary of Mineral Resource Management, and Joe Sbaffoni,
Director of the Bureau of Deep Mine Safety, were the first to testify. They
discussed · Make the mine owner or operator
primarily responsible for safety compliance at the mine · Create a three-member Mine Safety Board
with the authority to promulgate regulations to keep pace with mine
safety technology · Eliminate obsolete language in · Increase to 500 feet from 200 feet
the distance from which a bituminous underground operator must conduct
advanced drilling when approaching an adjacent
mine · Authorize the Department to use
emergency contracting provisions to pay for mine rescue and other mine safety
activities He noted that mine safety provisions
are also incorporated in SB 1092, but the administration is concerned about
moving that legislation without the more substantial changes included in SB
949. He concluded by urging consideration of both pieces of legislation to
improve safety in Senator Musto expressed concern with the proposed Mine Safety Board's power to promulgate regulations. He asked if having three members on the board is sufficient. Sbaffoni replied the Department has a similar board related to diesel that only has two members and it works very well. He suggested that sometimes too many people can be a detriment. Senator Musto then expressed concern that the board's regulations would be exempted from the regulatory review process. Roberts said that suggestion was made because the Department could get them completed quicker without going through the regulatory process. Senator Musto explained there will be a problem getting that proposal through the Legislature. He then suggested that the mining industry could correct some problems without putting requirements into law, to which Roberts and Sbaffoni agreed. Senator Logan expressed disbelief that mine owners are not responsible for the safety of their mines. Roberts replied that under current law, safety is the responsibility of certified mine officials and not mine owners. Senator Logan asked for an example of obsolete language that would be removed from law. Roberts stated language related to stabling horses in mines and the use of conveyor belts, both of which are not applicable anymore. Senator Logan opined that of all the proposed changes, he believes the most important is that the owner or operator can be held responsible for the safety at the mine. Roberts agreed, adding that safety starts with the mine owner. Senator Logan then asked if miners are being properly trained. Sbaffoni replied that there is no training requirement in existing law. He offered that the Department envisioned the Mine Safety Board looking into that issue. Senator Costa asked if mine
operators can be cited for unsafe work conditions. Roberts said only the
federal government can cite them. He added that the state can ensure the
safety of its mines with the presence of DEP inspectors in the mines. Senator
Costa asked if the legislation addresses notification requirements, and who
is in charge of releasing information when there is a problem. Sbaffoni said they try to achieve a consensus between the
mine operators, state officials and federal officials. He added that he hopes
they never have to address that issue. He said the issue is not addressed in
the bill because there are questions about whether the state or federal
government is in charge. Senator Costa asked if miners can be tracked by a
computer chip. Roberts explained that the problem is that radio signals don't
transmit well in mines. Sbaffoni added that some
tracking and communications devices are being tested in Senator Stout asked if conflicts exist between the jurisdictions of state and federal mining inspectors. Sbaffoni replied that the federal government has a statute it must enforce and the state has its own statute. He added that mines must meet the most stringent requirements. Senator Stout inquired if DEP has enough money and staff to properly address mine safety. Roberts answered that they have enough staff but the problem lies with recruiting and retention of inspectors because the federal government and private companies recruit DEP's inspectors. Senator Stout urged the Department to tell the Legislature soon if it needs more funding so it can be put in the budget. Senator Stout asked if the Department recommends designs and layouts for new mines. Roberts replied that after the Quecreek mine tragedy the Department changed its permitting process, and now the Department experts have to sign off on the safety of proposed mines. Senator Fontana said this legislation is a "no-brainer," and he asked why anyone would not support it. Roberts replied that everyone agrees changes are necessary but "the devil is in the details". Sbaffoni added that SB 949 does not address a large number of safety issues. He explained that it is an attempt to make administrative changes to give the Department the ability to promulgate rules and improve mine safety. Senator Musto
asked if Chairman Kasunic
asked about different mine safety devices that are being tested. Sbaffoni replied there is currently a lot of testing of a
variety of devices. He said mine operators, the federal government and the
state are trying to identify which technologies will be the best in the
future. He added that the Department will know more when the testing is
completed. Chairman Kasunic said an accident could
take place at any time, and he questioned whether the state can afford to
keep waiting or if it should move forward on legislation to improve mine
safety. Sbaffoni offered that Ed Roscioli, CEO of ChemBio Shelter, Inc., offered a presentation on his company's product, the Life Shelter. He explained that the product is a hermetically sealed, airtight shelter that creates oxygen through certain chemicals. He noted that the technology is currently used in submarines and by NASA. The Life Shelter becomes fully inflated in less than 60 seconds and is perfect for mine safety, he stated. He explained that the shelter maintains a life-sustaining environment, is flame retardant and allows a person to enter and exit without allowing toxins to enter. Roscioli said his company can produce 200 shelters per month. He suggested that there should be more than one shelter at each mine, adding that the containers can be skid-mounted so they can move with the miners. The capacity of the shelter is 18 workers and they can stay in the shelter for 96 hours or more, he told the committee. He added that the shelf life of a shelter is 20 years and the monitors should be checked every two years. Chairman Kasunic
said the testimony was very enlightening, and he called the Life Shelter
"very impressive". He asked about the company's status in the Mine
Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regulatory process. Roscioli replied that MSHA has not addressed safety
chambers yet, but he noted that his company is presenting to them later this
month. He suggested that the shelters are much better than the self-sustained
self rescue units. He offered that Senator Stout,
noting that each shelter has a capacity of 18 miners, asked if nine people
would have double the amount of oxygen, to which Roscioli
answered yes. Senator Stout asked if the company would be willing to allow
DEP to test one of its units. Joe Sbaffoni replied
that the Department has been a part of the testing in 3-16-06 HOUSE
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE Public
hearing on alternative energy By Nate Collins, PLS The committee held a public hearing on alternative energy. Members in attendance included Chairman Mario Civera (R-Delaware) and Representatives Scott Petri (R-Bucks), Steven Cappelli (R-Lycoming) and Kerry Benninghoff (R-Centre). Chairman Civera stated the purpose of the hearing is for the committee to receive information about alternative fuels. He noted that fuel prices are very high and the state needs to look at alterative methods and fuels. He added that the committee may hold other hearings on this issue in other parts of the state. Rep. Petri said the members of the committee learned a lot about energy during a meeting in September after Hurricane Katrina. He said he hopes the testifiers at this hearing can provide recommendations so the legislature can help expand the alterative energy industry. Rosemary
McAvoy, Executive Director of the Alternative
Fuels/Renewable Energies Council, explained that her organization is trying
to commercialize alternative fuels. She said the Council does business to
business work, linking companies together to access alternative fuels. She
noted that they assist companies in using waste products to make fuel. She
gave the example of a company in ·
Create a short, medium, and long-term energy strategy ·
Alternative fuel vehicles should be exempted from tolls ·
Alternative fuels should be tax-free ·
Offer grants for the creation of alternative fuel pumps ·
Replace old state vehicles with alternative fuel vehicles ·
Establish an alternative fuel corridor ·
Continue consumer outreach regarding alternative fuels Chairman Civera asked how gas stations feel about building the infrastructure for alternative fuels. McAvoy replied the biggest resistance comes from mini-marts because of the investment required to put the pumps in. She added that there is concern the product won't sell. Chairman Civera agreed that infrastructure is necessary. He then asked how big oil companies have reacted to the request for alternative fuel infrastructure. McAvoy answered that they have done nothing to help or hurt the idea. She noted that alternative fuels will be a small amount of overall sales and oil companies follow the money. Chairman Civera inquired if biodiesel fuel requires a different engine. McAvoy said it runs in the same engine, and it immediately cuts sulfur emissions. Rep. Petri asked about the benefit to school districts to use alternative fuels in school buses. McAvoy replied that buses will face mandates in 2007 from the EPA to cut emissions. She added that alternative fuels will protect children by keeping harmful emissions out of their lungs. She urged the representatives to talk to school districts about available grant money. Rep. Petri asked about the legislation that created the grant program. McAvoy explained that Act 178 of 2004 is a rebate program that "piggybacks" on the federal rebate program to bring alternative fuels to the market. Rep. Petri then asked what kind of rebate or incentive is necessary to make alternative fuels competitive. McAvoy said it is about five cents per gallon. J. Michael Love, President and CEO of the Energy Association of PA, said the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) legislation passed last year is the most wide-sweeping of its kind in the country. He expressed support for the broad definition of what qualifies as alternative energy. He noted that the legislation does not attempt to predict winners or losers as far as technology is concerned. Love then stated that as the premier user of energy in the state, government must become the leader in conservation and alternative energy. He suggested to the members that they ask each department during budget time how it is going to reduce its energy usage or increase its reliance on alternative energy. Merely mandating change will not ensure change, he commented. He concluded by stating it is highly unlikely that alternative energy generation will lead to relief for the state's poor, but major users such as government need to lead the drive to greater utilization of alternative energy generation. Chairman Civera agreed that government must be the leader in
alternative energy, and asked what is not being implemented in the AEPS
legislation. Love replied that the PUC has a significant task to implement the
Act and they have been doing a good job. He suggested that the problem is the
focus to implement the Act while determining winners and losers and comparing
the best and worst technologies. Chairman Civera
asked if the PUC has the power to ask energy companies about their
utilization of alternative energy. Love replied the price of natural gas
increased across the country while there was no energy policy and we are
relying on natural gas for electric generation. He stated the reliance on
natural gas for electric generation is driving up the price. He added that
alternative energy can get the country off its reliance on natural gas for
generation. The country needs to diversify where it gets natural gas, he
said, adding his support for drilling in Rep. Petri
asked what is impeding drilling in Rep. Cappelli asked about energy generation benchmarks in the AEPS legislation. Love explained that the legislation requires that alternative sources represent 18% of electricity generation by 2025. He assured the committee that energy producers are committed to meeting the goals in the legislation. He then agreed with Rosemary McAvoy that infrastructure is necessary to promote alternative energy. Steven Gabrielle, Business Development Manager for PPL Energy Services, said PPL has invested in a number of alternative and renewable energy projects. He noted that the projects have been supported by more than $20 million in grant money in addition to federal tax credits. Until the costs of renewable technologies come down the projects will require government support through long-term contracts, grants and tax credits, he stated. He added that long-term contracts with assured cost recovery to support the construction of new alternative energy products are necessary for the implementation of the AEPS legislation. Gabrielle said PPL is involved in wind power, solar, fuel cell and methane-to-electricity projects. In the future, PPL sees biomass as a low-cost alternative energy source, he noted. He then suggested that capital costs, state permitting and local siting issues need to be addressed through the expansion of state funding to spur the development of alternative energy projects. Rep. Petri
asked how PPL finds its projects, to which Gabrielle replied they develop
relationships with customers. Rep. Petri asked if PPL's
competitors are doing these projects as well. Gabrielle said PPL competes for
these types of projects. Rep. Petri then inquired about the future of fuel
cells in automobiles. Gabrielle explained that all of PPL's
fuel cell projects are stationary but they work with some companies that deal
with mobile sources. He said some cars can use fuel cells but producers want
to see how they function in stationary sources first. Rep. Petri asked if the
AEPS legislation has enhanced PPL's interest in Rep. Cappelli asked if nuclear generation is in PPL's future, and Gabrielle replied that he doesn't deal with nuclear energy so he couldn't comment. Roger Clark, Manager for Technology and Policy with the Sustainable Energy Development Fund, said his organization was created by the PUC in 1998 to support renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation. He said they offer performance-based grants with lending and investing. He then offered the following alternative energy recommendations: ·
Our country needs to admit the truth about global warming and the
consequences of our energy choices. ·
We need to make energy systems more secure by decentralizing the
system and not building them in one location (like the ·
Energy efficiency and conservation should be the number one
alternative energy source. ·
We need to tell the truth about energy prices and costs. ·
We need to be smart about how we subsidize alternative energy
projects. Grants should decline over time and there should be a move toward
private financing. ·
There is no silver bullet to solve the nation's energy challenges. Chairman Civera asked what other states have done regarding global
warming that Gary Swan, Director
of Governmental Affairs and Communications for the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau,
commented that renewable energy is an essential need and potential
opportunity for agriculture in this state. He said rising energy costs
threaten the survival of many farms. He then offered that David Fink,
Vice President of GREEN LLC, testified on behalf of the Pennsylvania Farm
Bureau. He commented that value added grain processing is sustainable, and he
explained that three co-products are produced from a bushel of corn through a
dry mill. He stated that the Chairman Civera asked if ethanol is being used anywhere in Rep. Petri
asked if ethanol goes to a refinery. Fink explained it is like a huge brewery
and the alcohol is extracted. Swan added that there are no plants in Rep. Benninghoff remarked that he does not believe Americans
will break old habits, including switching from SUVs to fuel-efficient cars.
He then asked if technology is available to use this type of energy for its
own production. Fink replied that it is being done in the |