State Plan Seeks To Cut Energy Use, Costs

HARRISBURG, PA-It was a green day Wednesday in Pennsylvania with two major environmental announcements made by Gov. Edward Rendell and Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl. The governor revealed ideas to help the state reduce energy usage in government buildings, stimulate renewable energy use and cut costs for taxpayers. Ravenstahl issued a statement declaring that his city will set up a $100,000 trust fund for green projects.

The state plan would mean the state would purchase 50% of all electricity from green power sources by 2010. This is a 20% increase over the current plan, which makes Pennsylvania the largest state purchaser of green power in the country. The governor also wants to implement turning off unnecessary equipment during peak periods, convert buildings to have sensor lighting and use more compact florescent lights.

“The governor believes clean, renewable energy can improve the environment and possibly the economy. Pennsylvania is one of the biggest carbon dioxide creators in the country,” Michael Smith, communications director for the Department of Environmental Protection, tells GlobeSt.com. “Now some of the largest renewable energy companies call Pennsylvania home, and have created about 1,500 jobs.” The governor’s plan will also hit the vehicular end of the state by reducing fuel usage by 5% or 367,000 gallons annually, reducing the state vehicle fleet and by buying smaller government vehicles.