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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE Erickson: Rendell Energy Plan Should Not Delay Budget Passage Legislature needs more time to consider complex energy proposals.
Harrisburg – State Sen. Ted Erickson (R-26) today called on Gov. Ed Rendell to focus on completing a 2007-08 state budget, and to give the General Assembly adequate time to consider the energy plan. The Rendell Administration has delayed finalizing a state budget plan in an effort to force the passage of a package of bills designed to boost alternative energy production and promote conservation. The impasse resulted in the furlough of 25,000 state employees. “I call on the governor to end this impasse, to get the people who are now being furloughed back to work. It is simply unnecessary,” Erickson said, speaking on the floor of the Senate. “Governor, end this impasse and let us get on with the planning so that we can initiate a viable energy package within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and make us more energy self-sufficient and generate jobs within our Commonwealth.” Senator Erickson also remarked that “This process needs to have thorough consideration. It would be irresponsible not to give it thorough consideration.” Senator Erickson is committed to enacting an energy plan and noted that when he worked to enact the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards in the previous legislative session, the complex issue required six to nine months to complete the process. The governor’s energy plan is even more complex, covering everything from minimum content standards on ethanol produced in Pennsylvania, to “green” building requirements for construction involving state funds. “I think we can all agree that this issue is extremely complex. More complex than the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards,” said Erickson. “Therefore I’ve come to the conclusion that this process would benefit from some time to thoroughly look at what these bills contain and then how to initiate them.” “The Senate has held hearings and work is continuing on refining the proposals,” Erickson said. Erickson, who is also sponsoring legislation providing the framework for a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania, said he hoped for a budget resolution soon. “I am personally committed to do what I can to move this process forward. The members of our caucus are also committed to do that. There are members on the other side of the aisle who will also commit themselves to do that,” he said. CONTACT:
Tom Golden
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