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Clean Power PA Coalition Applauds House Passage of Clean Energy Program for Pennsylvania
Commercial PACE Headed to Governor Wolf’s Desk after Senate Success Earlier This Year
Harrisburg (May 23, 2018) --- The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed Senate Bill 234 to enable a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program in Pennsylvania. Once signed by Governor Wolf, the legislation will give commercial and industrial property owners access to low-cost, long-term financing for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation improvements at no cost to taxpayers. The Clean Power PA Coalition has been a strong supporter of the clean energy financing program, which will reduce pollution, create healthier communities and boost jobs in the Commonwealth.
“Commercial PACE will provide wide-ranging benefits for Pennsylvania residents and businesses,” said Joanne Kilgour, Director of Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter. “Improving energy efficiency for commercial and industrial buildings is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions and local pollution, while also saving businesses money on their energy bills. C-PACE also has the ability to expand the use of renewable energy and improve water conservation across Pennsylvania, measures which will improve the quality of our environment.”
The passage of SB 234 puts Pennsylvania among an existing collective of 33 states and the District of Columbia, which have already enacted similar legislation to drive clean energy investment. C-PACE legislation enables local governments to create energy improvement districts in which private lenders loan money to commercial and industrial property owners for energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The program is completely voluntary for all parties involved, and the funding is paid back through local property assessments.
“The BlueGreen Alliance is excited by today’s advancement of C-PACE legislation because this program will create local jobs for skilled laborers in communities across our state and bolster Pennsylvania’s economy,” remarked Khari Mosley, the Pennsylvania Regional Programs Manager for the BlueGreen Alliance. “From manufacturing to installation, Pennsylvania has the workforce to implement the important money-saving upgrades to commercial properties that C-PACE will help to incentivize.”
In January 2018, SB 234 (Blake-D, Reschenthaler-R) was approved by the Pennsylvania State Senate with overwhelming, bipartisan support in a 42-8 vote. Championed by Rep. Brian Ellis (R- 11) and Rep. Kate Harper (R-61) in the House, SB 234 reached the floor with unanimous favor from the House Commerce Committee and passed the House 163-28, showcasing legislative support from across the state.
“Commercial PACE will modernize our commercial buildings, reduce electricity costs, and create jobs,” said Jacquelyn Bonomo, President and CEO of PennFuture. “We urge Governor Wolf’s swift action in signing SB 234 so that municipalities can begin implementing this program and commercial building owners can begin lowering their electricity costs.”
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The Clean Power PA Coalition is a group of clean energy, business, faith, and community leaders committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s environment and powering its economy through clean energy. The coalition includes the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), PennFuture, Clean Air Council, Moms Clean Air Force, Penn Environment, NextGen Climate America, Conservation Voters of PA, Clean Water Action, Voces Verdes, Sierra Club, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Audubon Pennsylvania, Physicians for Social Responsibility-Philadelphia , Climate Parents, Partnership for Policy Integrity, Pennsylvania Interfaith Power & Light, Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association, Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, Sustainable Pittsburgh and Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2).
For more information, visit www.cleanpowerpa.org