Earth: You’ve Got A Friend In Pennsylvania

As I’ve learned more about environmental issues related to energy consumption and become disenchanted with the federal government’s actions (and lack thereof), a bright counterpoint has been Pennsylvania’s state government, notably the executive branch led by Governor Ed Rendell.

Now, Pennsylvania is no California on issues like air pollution and global warming, and Ed Rendell is not the second coming. However, while the U.S. Congress is having trouble putting together a bill that will continue production credits for wind and solar, Pennsylvania has

• Adopted California vehicle emissions standards
• Joined California’s lawsuit to make the EPA grant it a waiver to legislate a limitation on greenhouse gas production
• Created an alternative energy portfolio regime
• Enticed international alternative energy corporations to build construction facilities in the state
• Funded numerous projects to implement alternative energy solutions, including biodiesel production, landfill gas capture, biodigestion of cow waste to produce methane (see, for example, a recent press release)

The downsides of Pennsylvania and renewable energy? First, the legislature. As I said, most (all?) of the activity has been initiated by the executive branch. The legislature is not supportive, especially of Rendell’s biggest plan, the $850 million Energy Independence Fund. Second, coal. Lots of coal comes from Pennsylvania mines. It is significant to Pennsylvania’s economy, both as a business and as an energy source. As such, the governor has taken a very accomodating stance with respect to coal.

Some other small recent projects in PA:

PA HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES CONSERVE ENERGY, REDUCE EXPENSES
GOVERNOR RENDELL ANNOUNCES $366,000 INVESTMENT TO HELP BUSINESSES INCREASE USE OF COMPOSTED MATERIAL