FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
December 13, 2004
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Senator Erickson's "Alternative
Energy Act" Signed into Law
Harrisburg Legislation sponsored by Sen. Ted
Erickson (R-26) to dramatically increase the amount
of electricity in Pennsylvania generated from
alternative energy sources has been signed into law.
The Alternative Energy Act was signed into law
earlier this month and requires that 18 percent of
energy sold by electricity suppliers in Pennsylvania
come from alternative energy by 2020. Such sources
include wind and solar power, hydropower or
geothermal energy.
"Seventeen states, including New York, New Jersey
and Maryland, have already established alternative
energy standards. It's critical that Pennsylvania
not fall behind," said Erickson, vice chair of the
Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
"These standards will reduce air and water
pollution, spur job creation and stabilize energy
prices by diversifying the sources. We shouldn't
have to rely on a limited, outdated sources for our
energy. Especially when other states are moving
ahead."
It's estimated that diversifying Pennsylvania's
energy supplies could create 85,000 new jobs over 20
years, and generate $2.8 billion in economic
activity, the senator noted.
In addition to a gradual time frame for
integrating the new energy sources, the Alternative
Energy Act establishes an Alternative Tradable
Energy Credits program through which the Public
Utility Commission will qualify alternative energy
systems.
"This is a bold step to move Pennsylvania to
cleaner and this is important affordable
energy," said Erickson. "It will spur innovation and
establish an energy system for the 21st
century."
NOTE: Below is a list of alternative energy
sources and timelines for implementation.
CONTACT: Tom Golden (717) 787-1350
Alternative energy sources are classified as either
"Tier 1" or "Tier II". The requirement would be
phased in as follows:
Tier I
1.5% within 2 years
2% within 2 years
Shall increase at least 0.5% each year annually
thereafter
8% within 15 years
Tier
II
Years 1 through 4 4.2%
Years 5 through 9 6.2%
Years 10 through 14 8.2%
Years 15 and thereafter 10%
"Tier I Alternative Energy Source" Energy
derived from:
(1) solar photovoltaic energy
(2) wind power
(3) low-impact hydropower
(4) geothermal energy
(5) biologically derived methane gas
(6) fuel cells
(7) biomass energy
(8) coal mine methane
"Tier II Alternative Energy Source" Energy
derived from:
(1) waste coal
(2) distributed generation systems
(3) demand side management
(4) large scale hydropower
(5) municipal solid waste
(6) generation of electricity utilizing by-products
of the pulping process and wood manufacturing
process including bark, wood chips, sawdust, and
lignin in spent pulping liquors
(7) integrated combined coal gasification technology
