Alternative Energy & Protecting Our Environment

By Dominic Pileggi

As the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Pileggi has been at forefront of passing legislation to promote alterantive energy and assist local communities in protecting open space

During a Special Session on Energy the Legislature has passed a $650 Million Alternative Energy Investment Act. As energy cost increase, the Pennsylvania legislature is continues working to conserve energy and develop renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This law will provide funding for grants and loans to projects which will improve energy supply and reduce demand for energy. All of this can be done with NO TAX INCREASE. Senator Pileggi's goal is to provide you with the services you deserve while keeping money in your pockets. By using existing revenue, we can meet Pennsylvania's energy needs in a fiscally responsible manner.

The Alternative Investment Act includes:

• $165 million for loans to businesses and loans or grants to counties, municipalities and school districts for clean energy projects, as well as loans and grants to businesses that support alternative energy production through the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
• $100 million to provide loans, grants and rebates of up to 35 percent of the purchase and installation costs of solar and solar photovoltaic panels.
• $92.5 million for consumer grants, loans, rebates and reimbursements of up to 25 percent of the purchase and installation price for consumer energy conservation projects.
• $80 million for loans and grants for alternative energy production projects related to solar energy.
• $50 million for tax credits to increase alternative energy production.
• $40 million for research and development of alternative energy technologies through the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.
• $40 million to boost funding of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
• $25 million for loans and grants for geothermal and wind energy projects.
• $25 million for loans and grants for high-performance buildings.
• $25 million for pollution control technology grants for small coal-fired power plants.
• $5 million in loans through the PA Housing Finance Agency for energy efficiency projects.
• $2.5 million for data center consolidation projects

Local townships and municipalities require strong support and guidance of the State Legislature as they seek to revitalize older neighborhoods, initiate smart growth and preserve precious open space. Senator Pileggi believes that state funds, federal grants and local taxes should be utilized effectively to assist urban areas with downtown revitalization, economic development, and other community improvement while providing aid to suburban/farmland suburbs in curbing urban sprawl and the acquisition of open space.

Our region has both, under-utilized cities and tremendous growth and development swallowing up our farms and burdening country roads that are ill equipped to deal with the volume of vehicles. If we strategically approach the redevelopment of cities and towns we can slow sprawl and create vibrant, safe and clean communities that provide quality public education and opportunities for our children.

Senator Pileggi supports Growing Greener II, an initiative to protect, restore, conserve and preserve Pennsylvania's environment and natural resources; including watershed protection, mine reclamation and brownsfield cleanup.