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For Immediate
Release
7/09/07
CONTACT:
Tom Golden
(717) 787-1350
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.
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