Post by melody on Jan 14, 2013 22:02:56 GMT -5
VITALI UNVEILS CLIMATE PROTECTION LEGISLATION
By Kimberly Hess
Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), minority chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, was joined today by several of his colleagues and other green energy advocates to announce the introduction of two pieces of legislation that seek to address climate change.
Rep. Vitali announced 2013 was the warmest year on record in the continental United States and remarked this news is “just the latest in a continuing stream of dire climate change news.” He pointed to efforts by other states, particularly those supported by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, to implement renewable energy policies, and called for action
in Pennsylvania. He pointed out that Pennsylvania produces one percent of the world’s greenhouse gases and argued the state needs to do more to deal with the problem. Rep. Vitali said his staff has reviewed Gov. Corbett’s past remarks and the governor has never said the phrases “climate change” or “global warming,” a situation which he argued needs to change. He called for the governor to publicly acknowledge that climate change is real, to acknowledge that Pennsylvania is a major contributor to the climate change problem, and to
publicly commit to showing leadership to help Pennsylvania do more to combat the problem.
He noted his proposed legislation will increase the amount of electricity that must be obtained from renewable sources to 15 percent by 2023 and provide $25 million per year to the PA Sunshine Program, which provides rebates for the installation of solar systems.
Dr. Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University, reviewed the scientific basis of the climate change problem and remarked on the record breaking weather and unprecedented heat, drought, floods, and fires of the past year. He acknowledged claims that no single event has lead to climate change, but pointed out various affects are “collectively loading the weather dice.” Dr. Mann argued extreme weather has devastating effects on the economy and said the only way to avoid increasingly greater cost is to directly confront the climate crisis. He applauded Rep. Vitali’s “bold legislation” that will incentivize a shift way from fossil fuels toward renewables.
Christina Simeone, director of PennFuture Energy Center, stated growing the supply of renewable energy will benefit all Pennsylvanians by expanding economic opportunities and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. She stated the nation is averaging $50 billion per year in weather losses, noting that Hurricane Sandy alone has had an estimated cost of $25-50
billion. Simeone reiterated that 2012 was the warmest year every recorded and noted the US Department of Defense has identified global climate change as a security risk. She argued Pennsylvania can be part of the solution by creating economic solutions and energy securities, but only if also minimizing greenhouse gas leakage in drilling operations and employing environment friendly drilling practices. She said Rep. Vitali’s bill to increase the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) would create enough energy to power 2.7 million homes and create 1,600 megawatts of new solar capacity. AEPS alone would avoid 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, she added. Simeone concluded, Pennsylvania can contribute to solving the global problem of climate change, which affects everyone.
Don Brown, of Widener University and a former UN negotiator, remarked many people are not aware of the magnitude of global emissions reductions needed to prevent catastrophic warming. He said all levels of government need to get on board to reduce the US footprint, noting that mainstream science’s view is the world is running out of time to prevent rapid nonlinear climate change. Furthermore, Brown argued, the US has a special responsibility to address the problem of climate change but has the weakest of all the commitments of the developed countries. He stated, “the US is not being a good moral citizen” at a time when many countries are “screaming at the US for its failure to reduce greenhouse emissions.” Brown concluded, Pennsylvania emissions are contributing to the harm and suffering of people around the world and needs to
“wake up to the fact” that it has duties and obligations to reduce emissions.
Tom Tuffey, Vice President or Project Services for Community Energy, remarked on the “energy revolution” underway, which he said will create immense wealth and immense competition. He stated the AEPS and efficiency standards of 2006 moved Pennsylvania to 1200 megawatts of wind, or $3 billion capital investment, but noted the solar component of the law was flawed because it assumed a long slow ramp of solar, but the ramp up schedule was much steeper. He said his company is working on a number of projects around the northeast, but not in Pennsylvania because of this unexpected ramp up. He urged the legislature to readdress the law now that it knows the market dynamics.
Rep. Mark Cohen (D-Philadelphia) cited reports of the New York Times regarding global warming and the average US temperature. He argued the problem of climate change is urgent and affects the health of US citizens. He urged collaborative action to address the problem, noting that Pennsylvania’s action will have world-wide impacts.
Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia) remarked that in the past he had not paid much attention to climate change, but has come to realize that now is the time to act. He said “what convinced me of the urgency” is the overwhelming evidence in recent years and the fact that all ten of the hottest years in history have been in the last 15 years. He said now is the time to address the issue, noting that action to address climate change does not need to come at the detriment of the economy.
He remarked “we do not have to choose” between the environment or the economy, “let’s become leaders on the issue and have it both ways.”
Dr. Manan Trivedi, a Truman Fellow, physician, and Iraq War veteran spoke on behalf of Operation Free and called for support of Rep. Vitali’s legislation. He said climate change is recognized as a serious threat to national security, noting that it endangers military personnel and exposes the nation to a volatile international commodities market. He urged the
government to ensure military personnel are fighting for freedom and democracy, not for fossil fuels that worsen the economy and worsen climate change, especially when cleaner and better alternatives are available.
Rep. Steve McCarter (D-Montgomery) said climate change will be a key issue of the next century. He stated the evidence is clear as to where the climate is going and called for change such as shifting toward hybrid vehicles. He called for enactment clear policies that allow everyone to feel the social change that has to happen.
Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery) noted she is a cosponsor of Rep. Vitali’s legislation and called for their enactment. She said the PA Sunshine bill is a great incentive for homeowners and businesses to go green and help generate business for contractors and the second bill is important part of long term commitment to alternative renewable energy form Pennsylvania sources. She argued it is critical that Pennsylvania does not fall behind other states as a leader in solar power.
Richard Whiteford, of the Climate Reality Project, stated 90 million tons of carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere every 24 hours. He stated carbon dioxide levels remained generally steady for 800,000 years, but over the past 120 years the level has increased by 113 parts per million. He said this is “a very radical change,” and as a result the world is seeing
more severe weather. Whiteford stated that the globe is on pace to increase seven to nine degrees by the end of the century.
He concluded, “We need to leave carbon in the ground or we won’t be around and the economy will be a moot point”
Khari Mosley, from the Pennsylvania BlueGreen Alliance, discussed his organization’s effort to bring together environmental advocates and labor groups to advance the green economy. He stated the costs of inaction are real and mounting and argued “we cannot ignore the opportunity to engage as a nation and confront the costs of climate change.” He called for the adoption of state and local policies to take action, emphasizing that environmental imperatives do not conflict with economic
aspirations. However, he concluded, the consequence of doing nothing will result in a decreased GDP.
David V. Michener, President & CEO of Sun to Sun, stated Pennsylvania was a leading in solar energy two years ago, but “the industry has almost crashed in the last year” to the point that hardly any solar projects are underway in Pennsylvania at this point. He said the solution is simple, but will require a group effort. He argued solar is an environmentally friendly
technology that is clean and soundless. Michener urged the state to return to the policies of a few years ago, which will enable the industry to thrive once again.
Bruce Burcat, executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition, called for action to address climate change. He argued the state benefits from wind development, both through contributions to the economy and to the tax base. However, he continued, Pennsylvania’s potential is greater and more needs to be done. He remarked on actions
taken by neighboring states and posited that Rep. Vitali’s proposal to increase the AEPS is reasonable, achievable, and comparable to other states.
Jeff Schmidt, director of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, noted he was involved in the passage for the original AEPS and knew at that time it was only a “down payment.” He said the time has come for Pennsylvania to come up with a new payment and opined Rep. Vitali’s proposals are very important to bring Pennsylvania close to what neighboring states
already require. He noted Pennsylvania is losing jobs to other states because the standards lag so far behind. He remarked the Sierra Club encourages its members to install solar panels, but the incentives in Pennsylvania “pale” in comparison to other states. “The more we can promote renewable energy the better,” he concluded.
Nathan Sooy, Community and Political Organizer for Clean Water Action, remarked it is “clearer and clearer” to him that the state’s problem is not facts but people who do not want to be convinced because they have chosen political allies in the industry whose interests are wrapped up in ensuring solar is never a realistic prospect in the state. He reported he will
continue to work to get his organization’s message out and expressed his support for Rep. Vitali’s legislation. He pledged to do what is necessary to move the proposals forward, but noted “we need to change the political calculus in this town.”
Bill Haaf, of Chester County Citizens for Climate Protection, explained his organization’s mission to educate others about climate change. He noted the World Bank and other sources have said the world’s temperature will increase seven degrees.
He opined the risk from climate change is worse than the risk from Al Qaeda and called for “a silver buckshot, not a silver bullet” that includes all parties, including the gas and coal industries, to work toward a solution.
Tom Bell of Sun to Sun, noted he used to run the PA Sunshine Program, which began in 2009 with $100 million. He explained funding for the program allowed Pennsylvania to jump from 13th nationally to 6th nationally in the development of solar energy. He remarked the program was a very positive program and thanked Rep. Vitali for his efforts to continue the program.
Rep. Mark Painter (D-Montgomery) and Rep. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) were also in attendance.
By Kimberly Hess
Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), minority chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, was joined today by several of his colleagues and other green energy advocates to announce the introduction of two pieces of legislation that seek to address climate change.
Rep. Vitali announced 2013 was the warmest year on record in the continental United States and remarked this news is “just the latest in a continuing stream of dire climate change news.” He pointed to efforts by other states, particularly those supported by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, to implement renewable energy policies, and called for action
in Pennsylvania. He pointed out that Pennsylvania produces one percent of the world’s greenhouse gases and argued the state needs to do more to deal with the problem. Rep. Vitali said his staff has reviewed Gov. Corbett’s past remarks and the governor has never said the phrases “climate change” or “global warming,” a situation which he argued needs to change. He called for the governor to publicly acknowledge that climate change is real, to acknowledge that Pennsylvania is a major contributor to the climate change problem, and to
publicly commit to showing leadership to help Pennsylvania do more to combat the problem.
He noted his proposed legislation will increase the amount of electricity that must be obtained from renewable sources to 15 percent by 2023 and provide $25 million per year to the PA Sunshine Program, which provides rebates for the installation of solar systems.
Dr. Michael Mann, director of the Earth System Science Center at Penn State University, reviewed the scientific basis of the climate change problem and remarked on the record breaking weather and unprecedented heat, drought, floods, and fires of the past year. He acknowledged claims that no single event has lead to climate change, but pointed out various affects are “collectively loading the weather dice.” Dr. Mann argued extreme weather has devastating effects on the economy and said the only way to avoid increasingly greater cost is to directly confront the climate crisis. He applauded Rep. Vitali’s “bold legislation” that will incentivize a shift way from fossil fuels toward renewables.
Christina Simeone, director of PennFuture Energy Center, stated growing the supply of renewable energy will benefit all Pennsylvanians by expanding economic opportunities and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. She stated the nation is averaging $50 billion per year in weather losses, noting that Hurricane Sandy alone has had an estimated cost of $25-50
billion. Simeone reiterated that 2012 was the warmest year every recorded and noted the US Department of Defense has identified global climate change as a security risk. She argued Pennsylvania can be part of the solution by creating economic solutions and energy securities, but only if also minimizing greenhouse gas leakage in drilling operations and employing environment friendly drilling practices. She said Rep. Vitali’s bill to increase the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards (AEPS) would create enough energy to power 2.7 million homes and create 1,600 megawatts of new solar capacity. AEPS alone would avoid 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gases, she added. Simeone concluded, Pennsylvania can contribute to solving the global problem of climate change, which affects everyone.
Don Brown, of Widener University and a former UN negotiator, remarked many people are not aware of the magnitude of global emissions reductions needed to prevent catastrophic warming. He said all levels of government need to get on board to reduce the US footprint, noting that mainstream science’s view is the world is running out of time to prevent rapid nonlinear climate change. Furthermore, Brown argued, the US has a special responsibility to address the problem of climate change but has the weakest of all the commitments of the developed countries. He stated, “the US is not being a good moral citizen” at a time when many countries are “screaming at the US for its failure to reduce greenhouse emissions.” Brown concluded, Pennsylvania emissions are contributing to the harm and suffering of people around the world and needs to
“wake up to the fact” that it has duties and obligations to reduce emissions.
Tom Tuffey, Vice President or Project Services for Community Energy, remarked on the “energy revolution” underway, which he said will create immense wealth and immense competition. He stated the AEPS and efficiency standards of 2006 moved Pennsylvania to 1200 megawatts of wind, or $3 billion capital investment, but noted the solar component of the law was flawed because it assumed a long slow ramp of solar, but the ramp up schedule was much steeper. He said his company is working on a number of projects around the northeast, but not in Pennsylvania because of this unexpected ramp up. He urged the legislature to readdress the law now that it knows the market dynamics.
Rep. Mark Cohen (D-Philadelphia) cited reports of the New York Times regarding global warming and the average US temperature. He argued the problem of climate change is urgent and affects the health of US citizens. He urged collaborative action to address the problem, noting that Pennsylvania’s action will have world-wide impacts.
Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Philadelphia) remarked that in the past he had not paid much attention to climate change, but has come to realize that now is the time to act. He said “what convinced me of the urgency” is the overwhelming evidence in recent years and the fact that all ten of the hottest years in history have been in the last 15 years. He said now is the time to address the issue, noting that action to address climate change does not need to come at the detriment of the economy.
He remarked “we do not have to choose” between the environment or the economy, “let’s become leaders on the issue and have it both ways.”
Dr. Manan Trivedi, a Truman Fellow, physician, and Iraq War veteran spoke on behalf of Operation Free and called for support of Rep. Vitali’s legislation. He said climate change is recognized as a serious threat to national security, noting that it endangers military personnel and exposes the nation to a volatile international commodities market. He urged the
government to ensure military personnel are fighting for freedom and democracy, not for fossil fuels that worsen the economy and worsen climate change, especially when cleaner and better alternatives are available.
Rep. Steve McCarter (D-Montgomery) said climate change will be a key issue of the next century. He stated the evidence is clear as to where the climate is going and called for change such as shifting toward hybrid vehicles. He called for enactment clear policies that allow everyone to feel the social change that has to happen.
Rep. Mary Jo Daley (D-Montgomery) noted she is a cosponsor of Rep. Vitali’s legislation and called for their enactment. She said the PA Sunshine bill is a great incentive for homeowners and businesses to go green and help generate business for contractors and the second bill is important part of long term commitment to alternative renewable energy form Pennsylvania sources. She argued it is critical that Pennsylvania does not fall behind other states as a leader in solar power.
Richard Whiteford, of the Climate Reality Project, stated 90 million tons of carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere every 24 hours. He stated carbon dioxide levels remained generally steady for 800,000 years, but over the past 120 years the level has increased by 113 parts per million. He said this is “a very radical change,” and as a result the world is seeing
more severe weather. Whiteford stated that the globe is on pace to increase seven to nine degrees by the end of the century.
He concluded, “We need to leave carbon in the ground or we won’t be around and the economy will be a moot point”
Khari Mosley, from the Pennsylvania BlueGreen Alliance, discussed his organization’s effort to bring together environmental advocates and labor groups to advance the green economy. He stated the costs of inaction are real and mounting and argued “we cannot ignore the opportunity to engage as a nation and confront the costs of climate change.” He called for the adoption of state and local policies to take action, emphasizing that environmental imperatives do not conflict with economic
aspirations. However, he concluded, the consequence of doing nothing will result in a decreased GDP.
David V. Michener, President & CEO of Sun to Sun, stated Pennsylvania was a leading in solar energy two years ago, but “the industry has almost crashed in the last year” to the point that hardly any solar projects are underway in Pennsylvania at this point. He said the solution is simple, but will require a group effort. He argued solar is an environmentally friendly
technology that is clean and soundless. Michener urged the state to return to the policies of a few years ago, which will enable the industry to thrive once again.
Bruce Burcat, executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition, called for action to address climate change. He argued the state benefits from wind development, both through contributions to the economy and to the tax base. However, he continued, Pennsylvania’s potential is greater and more needs to be done. He remarked on actions
taken by neighboring states and posited that Rep. Vitali’s proposal to increase the AEPS is reasonable, achievable, and comparable to other states.
Jeff Schmidt, director of the Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, noted he was involved in the passage for the original AEPS and knew at that time it was only a “down payment.” He said the time has come for Pennsylvania to come up with a new payment and opined Rep. Vitali’s proposals are very important to bring Pennsylvania close to what neighboring states
already require. He noted Pennsylvania is losing jobs to other states because the standards lag so far behind. He remarked the Sierra Club encourages its members to install solar panels, but the incentives in Pennsylvania “pale” in comparison to other states. “The more we can promote renewable energy the better,” he concluded.
Nathan Sooy, Community and Political Organizer for Clean Water Action, remarked it is “clearer and clearer” to him that the state’s problem is not facts but people who do not want to be convinced because they have chosen political allies in the industry whose interests are wrapped up in ensuring solar is never a realistic prospect in the state. He reported he will
continue to work to get his organization’s message out and expressed his support for Rep. Vitali’s legislation. He pledged to do what is necessary to move the proposals forward, but noted “we need to change the political calculus in this town.”
Bill Haaf, of Chester County Citizens for Climate Protection, explained his organization’s mission to educate others about climate change. He noted the World Bank and other sources have said the world’s temperature will increase seven degrees.
He opined the risk from climate change is worse than the risk from Al Qaeda and called for “a silver buckshot, not a silver bullet” that includes all parties, including the gas and coal industries, to work toward a solution.
Tom Bell of Sun to Sun, noted he used to run the PA Sunshine Program, which began in 2009 with $100 million. He explained funding for the program allowed Pennsylvania to jump from 13th nationally to 6th nationally in the development of solar energy. He remarked the program was a very positive program and thanked Rep. Vitali for his efforts to continue the program.
Rep. Mark Painter (D-Montgomery) and Rep. Steve Santarsiero (D-Bucks) were also in attendance.
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