Nov 28 - Business Wire

Supporters of proposed legislation comprising the Energy Independence Strategy (EIS), joined Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture) and Santa Claus at a press conference today in Pittsburgh, urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to take action on the legislation before its planned recess for the year. State Representative Joseph Preston, Jr., Chair of the Pennsylvania House Consumer Affairs Committee and other local officials, as well as representatives of Conservation Consultants, Inc. (CCI), Group Against Smog and Pollution (GASP), Steel City Biofuels and other community leaders took part in the press event.

"Too little has been done on energy policy in 2007, and our energy problems are getting more serious every month. Funding renewable energy, supporting biofuels, boosting energy conservation, and cutting peak electricity demands with smart meters have been discussed and debated since February, but so far, no action," said Heather Sage, director of outreach for PennFuture.

"We now have less than a month before the legislature is scheduled to leave for the holidays," continued Sage. "Will 2007 be a lost year of no action? Or will it be known as the year the leaders of Pennsylvania passed key energy legislation that protects our economy, environment and security?

"It's time for bold, immediate action, and that means the legislature should act before they leave on holiday," continued Sage. "Oil prices are near or at $100 a barrel and gasoline is over $3 a gallon -- a full dollar over the price when the energy legislation was proposed; the ice cap dramatically disappeared in the Arctic this summer, with climatologists predicting worse to come; and electricity rate caps have already ended in four areas of Pennsylvania and will end in the rest of Pennsylvania in the next two to three years. Conserving energy, cutting peak electricity demand, and making electricity and transportation fuels from renewable energy are the only ways to protect our economy and environment from crippling price shocks. We need action now."

The press conference marked the first local appearance of Santa Claus (R&D - North Pole), who has been issuing a daily list of the 'naughty and nice' to highlight the need for immediate bold action on the environment. "My reindeer won't be able to deliver presents if there's no snow," said the icon. "We must have strong energy policy in place this year, or Christmas itself is endangered, along with my North Pole home." Previous lists are online at PennFuture's website (www.pennfuture.org).

PennFuture is a statewide public interest membership organization that advances policies to protect and improve the state's environment and economy. PennFuture's activities include litigating cases before regulatory bodies and in local, state and federal courts, advocating and advancing legislative action on a state and federal level, public education and assisting citizens in public advocacy.