Governor Rendell Proclaims 'Dump the Pump Day,' Promotes Alternate
Transportation, Announces Hybrid Investment for Transit
Urges General Assembly to Pass Energy Independence Strategy to Break
Dependence on Foreign Oil, Help Pennsylvanians Conserve and Cut Costs
HARRISBURG, Pa., June 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell
proclaimed today as "Dump the Pump Day," announced the purchase of 14 hybrid
public transportation vehicles, and launched a Web site to promote alternate
transportation as he continues leading Pennsylvania toward energy
independence.
"The only way to secure our energy future is to take steps now that allow
Pennsylvania to be more energy efficient and conserve our natural resources,"
Governor Rendell said. "We cannot reduce our dependence on foreign oil unless
we make better use of the alternative transportation options and invest in our
own home-grown fuel resources as proposed in the PennSecurity Fuels
Initiative.
"Dump the Pump Day reminds consumers to be responsible and make informed
transportation decisions as a means to declare their own energy independence,"
the Governor said. "If the General Assembly acts now, that's exactly what my
Energy Independence Strategy will start to do for Pennsylvania families and
businesses -- allow them to take control of their energy use."
To help protect consumers from rising energy costs, Governor Rendell unveiled
the Energy Independence Strategy in February 2007 that would save Pennsylvania
families and businesses $10 billion over the next decade. The plan, pending in
the state Senate, would leverage $850 million in new investments to attract
$3.5 billion in alternative and renewable energy products and reduce
Pennsylvania's dependence on foreign oil.
"Energy independence begins at home, and commuters can do their part to help
reduce energy consumption and reduce Pennsylvania's dependence on foreign oil
by relying more on public transit or carpooling," the Governor said.
"We have to do all that we can to help families and businesses save on energy
costs and those savings can't stop with commuting," he said. "Let me remind
you that when my Energy Independence Strategy was unveiled 18 months ago, the
average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Pennsylvania was $2.23,
diesel was around $2.65 per gallon, and a barrel of crude oil was around $53.
Now, motorists are paying $4 per gallon at the pump for gas, almost $5 per
gallon for diesel, and crude oil set a new record this week when a barrel of
oil was trading near $140.
"Under my Energy Independence Strategy and PennSecurity Fuels Initiative, we
can break our dependence on foreign oil and consumers will find it easier to
conserve electricity and use it in a more efficient manner," Governor Rendell
said.
The Governor again urged the General Assembly to adopt the strategy and send
these bills to him for signature:
-- H.B. 1202, the Governor's PennSecurity Fuels Initiative, has been
awaiting action by the Senate since June. It requires nearly 1 billion
gallons of biofuels to be produced and consumed in the commonwealth --
an amount equal to what the state will import from the Persian Gulf by
2017.
-- Special Session H.B. 1, which was adopted by the House on March 11,
will
provide funding to develop solar, wind and other advanced energy
industries; make it easier for consumers to purchase and install solar
panels; continue the state's leadership in energy-efficient green
buildings, and helps consumers purchase high-efficiency
heating/cooling
equipment and appliances.
-- H.B. 2200 was passed by the House on Feb. 12 and will help consumers
save on their energy bills by conserving electricity and using it more
efficiently. Once fully implemented, H.B. 2200 will save consumers
$1.3
billion by 2012 on their energy bills through conservation and
bringing
down the cost of electricity during peak load times -- when demand is
highest and electricity is most expensive.
-- House Bill 2201, which is awaiting a vote in both chambers, will
require
utilities to provide service to customers at the lowest reasonable
rate.
The bill will require utility service providers to procure power
through
a mix of short- and long-term contracts and spot market purchases, and
obligate the Public Utility Commission to ensure that the procurement
process is free of fraud, collusion or market manipulation.
To help commuters make smart transportation decisions, Governor Rendell
unveiled a new PennDOT Web page where residents can explore transit options,
carpooling and park and ride locations across the state. The page is found
under the "Dump the Pump" link at: www.dot.state.pa.us.
The Governor also announced that he directed the Office of Administration to
develop an incentive program to encourage state employees to use public
transit and related options.
To help expand public transit's use of cleaner, more efficient vehicles,
Governor Rendell announced the investment of $2 million to help fund the
purchase of 14 hybrid transit vehicles that will be used in rural and small
urban areas. Ten hybrid para-transit buses will expand Rabbittransit's
shared-ride program in York County. Four other regions will each receive one
standard size hybrid bus: the Area Transportation Authority of North Central
Pennsylvania, the Berks Area Reading Transportation Authority, the Luzerne
County Transportation Authority and the Westmoreland County Transit Authority.
The buses will be delivered in 2009.
Pennsylvania's investment was matched by a federal grant allowing $4 million
to help transit agencies offset the cost of the hybrid buses which get 40 to
50 percent better gas mileage than their non-hybrid counterparts and reduce
pollution emissions by 30 to 40 percent.
"These hybrid buses are an investment in our public transportation system to
help Pennsylvanians make smart choices when it comes to traveling," the
Governor said. "As we support Dump the Pump Day, I again urge the General
Assembly to enact my Energy Independence Strategy.
"We must act now if we're going to succeed in creating an energy independent
and environmentally friendly Pennsylvania that will create opportunities for
our children and grandchildren while reducing our reliance on foreign energy
sources."
The alternate transportation resources are online under the "Dump the Pump"
link at www.dot.state.pa.us. For more information on the Energy Independence
Strategy, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us and click on the "Fueling Energy
Savings" icon.
The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses.To find out more
about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter,
visit: www.governor.state.pa.us.
CONTACT:Chuck Ardo
717-783-1116
SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor
Chuck Ardo of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116
