“Although the legislation isn’t perfect, the energy package we passed this week offers the beginning of an approach that will make us a more energy independent state,” Stack said. "

This week, we took a step in the right direction toward a cleaner and greener Pennsylvania.”
The energy package (Special Session Senate Bill 1) includes new spending paid for by dedicated revenues from the Utility Gross Receipts Tax and the General Fund. It does not require any new taxes.

The package includes spending $210 million on clean energy projects and alternative energy initiatives. It seeks to put consumers in charge by spending $100 million over 10 years on home energy programs. Weatherization and LIHEAP receive new infusions of cash from this package.  

Solar power, wind power, and geothermal technologies are funded. The plan targets more funds for new energy initiatives under the auspices of the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.

The compromise package provides tax credits of $130 million over 10 years for investments in alternative-energy production projects to promote energy independence.
Hybrid cars also receive a new boost. Approximately $15 million over five years is slated to aid the already operational hybrid car-purchasing program offered through Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Stack noted, however, that more work needs to be done on certain issues before lawmakers can complete their work on energy.

“We need to place more emphasis on investments in cellulosic ethanol production,” Stack said.

“This technology shows great promise as a significant replacement for foreign oil.  When we return in January, I hope we can return to that issue and debate a series of Democrat-sponsored bills.”

Cellulosic ethanol is the same fuel that is produced from corn but the method used to produce this fuel is different. Additionally, it is produced from different sources.  Cellulosic ethanol is produced from plant waste, sawdust, paper pulp, and energy specific agricultural crops such as switchgrass.

The production method for cellulosic ethanol is still in its infancy, although environmental scientists — and Gov. Ed Rendell — agree that this is a rapidly growing technology that could be on the market in as little as five years.

Stack has co-sponsored several bills crafted by the Senate Democratic Leader Bob Mellow (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe) that focus on cellulosic ethanol production and funding.

“Although I would have preferred more investments in solar and wind power and cellulosic ethanol production, the energy package is a good investment in our future,” Stack said. “ I am hopeful that we can continue to do what’s best for our state’s environment and economy when we return in January.”

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