Watt Now

Pennsylvania Clean Energy Supporters Respond to President Obama's State of the Union Address

2010-01-28T15:47:00.003-05:00

Last night, President Obama devoted most of his first State of the Union address to the continuing double-digit unemployment situation. Like the President, we're committed to creating new jobs that will put people back to work. And clean energy is the way to do it.

President Obama devoted several minutes of his jobs message specifically to clean energy and creating American leadership for the 21st century economy:

Choice quotes from President Obama on clean energy action:

"You see, Washington has been telling us to wait for decades, even as the problems have grown worse. Meanwhile, China’s not waiting to revamp its economy. Germany’s not waiting. India’s not waiting. These nations aren’t standing still. These nations aren’t playing for second place. They’re putting more emphasis on math and science. They’re rebuilding their infrastructure. They are making serious investments in clean energy because they want those jobs.

"...To create more of these clean energy jobs, we need more production, more efficiency, more incentives. That means building a new generation of safe, clean nuclear power plants in this country. It means making tough decisions about opening new offshore areas for oil and gas development. It means continued investment in advanced biofuels and clean coal technologies. And yes, it means passing a comprehensive energy and climate bill with incentives that will finally make clean energy the profitable kind of energy in America.

"I am grateful to the House for passing such a bill last year. This year, I am eager to help advance the bipartisan effort in the Senate. I know there have been questions about whether we can afford such changes in a tough economy; and I know that there are those who disagree with the overwhelming scientific evidence on climate change. But even if you doubt the evidence, providing incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy are the right thing to do for our future – because the nation that leads the clean energy economy will be the nation that leads the global economy. And America must be that nation."

President Obama's message to Congress and the American people about investing in a clean energy economy drew strong praise from businesspeople, labor leaders and elected officials across Pennsylvania who are working with Repower America to build the political will necessary to achieve this goal in 2010:

“Pennsylvania’s investment in clean-energy industries has been essential in creating family-wage jobs. Voith, one of the largest employers of clean energy workers in Pennsylvania, has seen the benefits of investments in clean energy technology. Ongoing investment in clean energy infrastructure like hydropower as President Obama called for will help us continue to create high-paying jobs here at home and grow Pennsylvania’s economy for years to come.” — Voith Hydro York CEO Mark Garner

“The clean energy jobs that President Obama talked about tonight are exactly what Pittsburgh needs. With passage of a national clean energy bill like the one the City Council endorsed last month, we can create 11,600 jobs in Southwestern Pennsylvania within two years. We need now Senator Casey and and Senator Specter to be champions of this opportunity to strengthen our security, our environment and our economy. — Pittsburgh City Councilman Patrick Dowd

“Clean energy is one of the best opportunities for Pennsylvania families to get back to work. Pennsylvania is home to a great workforce, and if Senator Casey and Senator Specter answer President Obama’s call to pass clean energy legislation, we can create 78,000 jobs within two years. Clean energy jobs like solar installers, welders and energy auditors are good-paying jobs — often union jobs — that will support Pennsylvania’s working families for generations to come.” — Terry Peck, Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 520 (Harrisburg) Manager

“President Obama’s call to invest in clean energy jobs will do great things for Pennsylvania’s economy and environment. The potential to create 78,000 new jobs within two years and save Pennsylvania families nearly $1,100 a year is an opportunity that must not be passed up. By supporting clean energy legislation, Senators Casey and Specter will help revitalize our economy and environment, making Pennsylvania a better place for our children and grandchildren.” — State Rep. Chelsa Wagner

“Pennsylvania’s families are hurting, and investing in clean energy right here in America is the best way get our economy back on track and create thousands of good jobs. Now is the time for Senator Casey and and Senator Specter to fight to ensure these new clean energy jobs are created here in Pennsylvania – not in China or India. That's the fastest way to turn this economy around while putting American innovation to work to find real solutions to the climate crisis." — Repower Pennsylvania Director Michael Fedor.

A study by the University of California found that comprehensive clean energy and climate policies could help create up to 78,000 jobs in Pennsylvania and help save our families up to $1,092 a year.

Latest Round of Recovery Act Funds Sends $17.6 Million to Pennsylvania for Clean Technology Job Creation

2010-01-08T13:04:00.004-05:00

President Obama announced today that the Department of Energy is awarding $2.7 billion from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act for Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits. With these credits, 183 projects across the country will create tens of thousands of clean energy jobs and encourage the production of advanced clean energy technologies including wind and solar power as well as systems to increase energy efficiency and management.

In Pennsylvania, seven projects are receiving over $17.6 million to manufacture solar energy equipment and energy-efficient building materials.

The Recovery Act has brought tens of millions of dollars in tax credits and contracts for clean energy and energy efficiency to Pennsylvania, and is just the beginning of the kind of progress we can make with federal investment in clean energy technology.

For a full list of the projects announced today, click here to download the spreadsheet from the White House.

Alliance for Climate Protection CEO Maggie L. Fox issued the following statement after President Obama's announcement:

STATEMENT BY ALLIANCE FOR CLIMATE PROTECTION
CEO MAGGIE L. FOX ON PRESIDENT OBAMA’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON FUNDING FOR
CLEAN TECHNOLOGY JOB CREATION

For immediate release: January 8, 2010
Press inquiries: Laura Burton Capps, Giselle Barry, 202-567-6800, press@climateprotect.org

Washington, DC – Alliance for Climate Protection President and CEO Maggie L. Fox today issued the following statement on President Obama’s announcement on funding for clean technology job creation:

“The solutions to our economic challenge and our energy crisis go hand in hand. President Obama's announcement today supports our transition to a clean energy economy that will create thousands of new manufacturing jobs for American workers. New investments in solar power, energy efficiency and wind energy will spur innovation and harness our nation’s greatest asset – the ingenuity of the American worker.”

About the Alliance for Climate Protection:
The Alliance for Climate Protection was founded in 2006 by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. With more than five million members and supporters worldwide, the Alliance is a unique non-profit, non-partisan organization that is committed to educating the global community about the urgency of implementing comprehensive solutions to the climate crisis.

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Groceries, Architecture and Ice Cream

2009-12-22T09:57:00.003-05:00

Last Friday Repower Pennsylvania visited three small businesses in downtown Lancaster. On a chilly, but otherwise pleasant day, we met with grocers specializing in local foods, an architect specializing in building preservation and efficiency, and an ice cream shop that uses local dairy and produce and serves its frozen treats in environmentally-safe containers.

While the businesses we stopped at are quite different from each other, they are all leaders in Lancaster's small business community in providing examples of energy efficiency, clean energy investment and economic growth in tough times. Repower Pennsylvania Director Michael Fedor thanked each business' owners for their commitment to sustainable, energy-efficient practices that are good for the climate and the economy.

First up was Expressly Local, a relatively new grocery spawned from a blog and email list about local food. Lancaster, of course, is the hub of Pennsylvania's Amish population, and Expressly Local's owners Cheryl Young and Kharran Cattell have provided that community and other local food-producers with an outlet to sell their products. Many, but not all of the items sold by Expressly Local are labeled organic, but in the fight to make our food energy-efficient, more important is how much energy is consumed in producing, transporting and selling the food. As Cheryl put it, "organic doesn't always mean sustainable."

But the items Cheryl and Kharran sell are chemical-free and are made within a 100-mile radius of the store, significantly cutting down on fuel and transportation costs while providing meat, dairy, produce and dried goods that taste great and help grow the local economy. By fostering relationships with their suppliers, Cheryl and Kharran are helping their business and that of regional farmers.

After thanking Cheryl and Kharran for their work, we did a little shopping. Our communications director bought some smoked cheddar, a pound of locally-roasted coffee, two bars of homemade soap, and a pint of applesauce, which was later eaten in one sitting.

Next up was Community Heritage Partners and its principal Eugene Aleci, an architect focusing on preserving old buildings and making them more energy efficient. This is a relatively young trend in architecture and planning, as "15 years ago, no one knew what sustainable or green was" as Gene put it. In Gene's line of work, it is far more energy-efficient to renovate an existing building than embark on new construction. His designs have been put to use in redeveloping public spaces not just in Lancaster, but around the Northeastern United States including Portland, Maine. And as a leader of the Susquehanna Sustainable Business Network, Gene collaborates with other businesses in south-central Pennsylvania to foster clean energy usage and greater energy efficiency.

Our final stop was Carmen and David's Creamery, a one-year-old ice cream shop that serves premium ice cream made in-store from fresh, locally-purchased dairy and produce. (Some ingredients, like chocolate, need to be brought in from tropical locales.) They also serve fruit smoothies using local dairy and produce when possible. Their products are served in corn-based cups, plates and bowls that decompose within days, avoiding the lasting pollution of Styrofoam and other non-biodegradable materials.

David Hommel told us that after a long career in the furniture industry, he and his wife opened the Creamery as a "retirement business" but with an emphasis on buying local ingredients and supplies that minimize the shop's environmental impact. "We strive to be a local model for small, sustainable businesses that support our community," David told us. The Hommels are also getting quite involved with Repower Pennsylvania, hosting Friday-evening get-togethers and sporting our logo in their front door:

"Being clean-energy conscious is not a marketing tool," David said. "It's just our commitment."

After the conversation, the five of us from Repower bought some ice cream and hot chocolate, both of which were delicious.

Business practices like purchasing renewable energy, using locally-produced supplies and reducing waste don’t just benefit the climate. These actions and others are making real differences for these companies’ customers, employees and financial bottom lines. Repower Pennsylvania is proud to have them as partners in building the political will to transition to a clean energy economy. Together we can show that any business can be a green business that helps restore our environment and our economy.

Operation Free Goes to Copenhagen

2009-12-17T17:01:00.003-05:00

Back in October Operation Free, a group of veterans of the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, traveled through Pennsylvania as part of a cross-country bus tour in support of clean energy for national security.

This week Operation Free touched down in Copenhagen to attend the 15th United Nations Conference on Climate Change.

From their press release:

A delegation of US military veterans will travel to the climate conference in Copenhagen next week to highlight the national and global security threats posed by climate change and America’s dependence on foreign energy. These veterans bring personal stories and a front-lines perspective to the national security threat, a vital and oft-overlooked aspect of the ongoing negotiations. Most of the veterans served during the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Hailing from ten different states and three branches of the military, they will hold press events, meet with members of the US delegation, and relay their experiences as members of the US military to an international audience. The veterans will highlight that:

• Global action is necessary for global security because climate change makes the world a more dangerous place. In the parlance of the military, it is a threat multiplier, helping create safe havens and breeding grounds for terrorists when unstable countries collapse under the weight of the droughts, famines, and floods caused by climate change. Preventing climate change means protecting us and our allies from having to fight future conflicts.

• The world needs a united front in the face of this common threat. It is time for real teamwork, where every nation can be part of a win-win solution for everyone. America needs to set the right example, look to the future, and lead by example in the face of this global security threat.

• Depending on one or two sources of energy makes a nation vulnerable. Veterans know that it is dangerous to depend on unfriendly nations for the resources we need to run the economy. This is true of America, and of other nations. For example, in America, oil is a worry. In Europe, it is common to worry about natural gas supplies. It’s time for all nations to take control of our energy future.
The veterans hail from the following states: Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia.

***

Operation Free also posted these photos from their trip to Copenhagen:

For more on Operation Free, visit their Web site at www.operationfree.net or follow them on Twitter @operationFREE

A Clean Energy Makeover

2009-12-09T17:59:00.004-05:00

When you think of a green business, you may not immediately think of a hair salon, but one Central Pennsylvania business is making “green” about more than the bottom line.

A few weeks ago, one of our field organizers met Kelly Deardorff-Palumbo, owner of the Halo Hair Salon in Shiremanstown, just a few minutes from Harrisburg. Deardorff-Palumbo is using clean energy and protecting the climate all while ensuring her customers look fabulous.

Halo Hair Design is setting an environmental example by treating its customers' with organic and nontoxic products, hair reusing furniture and flooring from a previous tenant of its location, and making plans to invest in solar energy in 2010.

“We have remodeled completely to our needs, green and eco-friendly and are trying to make a small difference just by changing things,” Deardorff-Palumbo said.

Halo Hair Design also reduces its energy consumption and costs by maximizing usage of natural light supplemented by energy-efficient light bulbs in every fixture. Palumbo is currently making plans to conduct an energy audit and to install solar panels to make her business more energy independent.

Repower Pennsylvania is highlighting small businesses that are making the transition now to more sustainable practices that are better for the environment and improve the bottom line in the long-run.

And check out Deardorff-Palumbo's video from the Repower Wall, filmed in front of a shelf of her environmentally and financially friendly hair care products:

Governor Rendell is on the Repower Wall

2009-12-09T15:16:00.003-05:00

Governor Ed Rendell recently recorded a video for the Repower Wall, a project to collect voices across the country in support of clean energy and climate protection.

In the governor’s words, “Climate change threatens virtually every aspect of our lives. America needs smart effective policies that reduce global warming pollution, put our people back to work and make us less vulnerable to foreign nations for our energy needs. Up till now, states like Pennsylvania have been leading the way... Our efforts to reduce greenhouse gases will cut our carbon emissions to 5 percent below year 2000 levels....If America gets real about climate change and developing more renewables, we can create 1.7 million green collar jobs, about 70,000 of which will be here in Pennsylvania.

“If we miss this opportunity we’ll be setting America back. And instead of leading the world, we’ll be following nations like China and India and we’ll be buying clean technologies from their companies, not ours. And unless we curb our addiction to oil, we’ll just continue sending billions of dollars to the Middle East every year. That’s not a way to prosperity or national security. Americans have the know-how to become energy independent. Our leaders just need the political will and courage to unleash those talents. America’s global competitiveness and ability to withstand future economic downturns depend on our willingness to take bold steps to address these issues. The time to act is now because we can’t afford to sit back and wait. Otherwise, this opportunity is going to pass us by.”

As scientists and world leaders meet in Copenhagen, Repower Pennsylvania is continuing to build the political will and broad support for clean energy and climate protection action that the Governor talked about in his message. It’s also worth mentioning that Governor Rendell is the first governor of any state to add his voice to this project that now boasts over 30,000 messages to our leaders in Washington in support of comprehensive energy and climate reform.

Governor Rendell’s video is available at: http://www.repoweramerica.org/wall/#/view/28615

You can also view the Governor's message right here:

Repowering Edinboro University

2009-12-08T09:20:00.003-05:00

The Green Energy Fair was an event at Edinboro University, organized by first-year student M. Robert Marks. Exhibitors included non-profit organizations and businesses from the clean energy industry. The day was bracketed by a series of workshops on everything from renewable energy sources to energy efficiency.

The Green Energy Fair was part of the larger "Green Energy Week" initiative at Edinboro, which included film screenings, demonstrations and test-drives of hybrid vehicles, a speech by "No Impact Man" Colin Beavan, a "Green Energy Job panel" and more.

Pittsburgh to Senators Specter and Casey: Support Clean Energy Jobs

2009-12-01T13:54:00.002-05:00

For Immediate Release: December 1, 2009
Contact: Benjamin Freed, Repower Pennsylvania, 917-903-3031, benjamin.freed@climateprotect.org
Randy Francisco, Sierra Club, 412-802-6161, randy.francisco@sierraclub.org

PITTSBURGH, PA — Continuing its partnership with Repower America, the Sierra Club and the Blue-Green Alliance, the Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday declared its support for swift and comprehensive clean energy and climate federal legislation. In a unanimous resolution, the City Council urged the passage of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act in the U.S. Senate and called on Senators Arlen Specter and Bob Casey to be strong advocates for its passage.

“Pittsburgh, with its strong industrial base, built the economy of the 20th century, and if the Senate takes action, we will have the opportunity to create the clean energy economy of the 21st century,” said Councilmember Bill Peduto. “This resolution will send the message to Senators Casey and Specter that our city is ready to lead the way in rebuilding our economy with 78,000 jobs for Pennsylvania, restoring our climate by reducing carbon emissions and becoming energy independent by ending our harmful dependence on foreign oil.”

Earlier this year, the Pittsburgh City Council declared August 3 “Repower America Day.” Since opening its doors in the Lawrenceville neighborhood, Repower Pennsylvania has educated and engaged thousands of Pittsburgh residents about solutions to the climate crisis that can create millions of new jobs, hasten our economic recovery, and strengthen our national security. Repower Pennsylvania partnered with the Blue Green Alliance in September for a clean energy jobs rally in Pittsburgh that drew thousands.

“This resolution is a bold step forward in the movement for clean energy and climate protection,” said Repower Pennsylvania Director Michael Fedor. “The City of Pittsburgh is recognizing its opportunity to lead Pennsylvania and the United States in the creation of a new clean energy economy that will put us back to work, protect our climate for future generations, and make us safer and more secure. I hope other cities around Pennsylvania follow Pittsburgh’s example and tell Senators Casey and Specter to support clean energy jobs that will put America back in control of its economic and energy future.”

Recycle Everything. Even Jokes.

2009-11-20T12:24:00.002-05:00

In case you missed last night's episode of "30 Rock" former Vice President and Alliance for Climate Protection head honcho Al Gore returned to the Emmy-winning series. Mr. Gore showed up to educate Kenneth the page on energy efficiency, climate protection and restoration, and the need to press our leaders for sweeping action on clean energy and climate change.

Pennsylvania's Leading Paper Salesman Urges You to Go Green

2009-11-19T13:19:00.004-05:00

The National Broadcasting Company may be fourth-place in the ratings, but it's first among TV networks in spreading the message of climate protection and clean energy. In its third-annual "Green is Universal" campaign, NBC is offering episodes of some of its leading series tonight that have an environmentally-concious message. And, of course, the highlight takes place at a certain Scranton, Pa. paper supplier.

Tonight, Pennsylvania's leading office supply salesmen becomes... Recyclops:

Veterans, National Security Leaders Stand Up For Clean Energy In New Repower America TV Ad

2009-11-11T14:18:00.003-05:00

For immediate release: November 10, 2009
Press inquiries: Benjamin Freed, 917-903-3031, benjamin.freed@climateprotect.org

Veterans, National Security Leaders Stand Up For Clean Energy In New Repower America TV Ad

Generals Brent Scowcroft and Wesley Clark join young veterans in call for bold action on clean energy and climate change to end America’s dependence on foreign oil and strengthen our national security

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – As the nation prepares to celebrate Veterans Day and honor the brave men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, the Alliance for Climate Protection’s Repower America campaign today released a new television ad featuring veterans and national security leaders calling for bold action now on clean energy and climate change to strengthen America’s national security. The ad, called “Voices-Veterans,” will run on national cable starting on Veteran’s Day.

“Voices – Veterans” features young Iraq War veterans alongside respected military and national security leaders such as General Brent Scowcroft and General Wesley Clark making the urgent call for action now on clean energy and climate change so that we can end America’s dependence on foreign oil and strengthen our national security. General Scowcroft, U.S. National Security Advisor under Presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush and a retired Lieutenant General in the U.S. Air Force, states in the ad that “climate change threatens our national security,” while Terron Sims, Jr., a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq says, “Stop sending our dollars overseas to be used against us.” General Wesley Clark, a 34-year U.S. Army veteran who served as NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, concludes the ad stating, “We need to repower and there is no better time to do it than right now.”

“I'm deeply grateful to all the brave men and women who have served this great nation. By taking control of our energy future, we can keep our men and women in uniform out of wars over finite natural resources,” said Repower Pennsylvania State Director Michael Fedor. “Top-ranking retired admirals and generals have said that a first priority for our leaders should be fully integrating climate change and energy security into national security planning. By building an American clean energy economy, we can stop spending billions of dollars for foreign oil that help to fund our enemies. Instead, we can invest that money here to get our economy moving again, and help to solve the climate crisis.”

This new TV ad is a continuation of the groundbreaking multimedia campaign launched by Repower America last week to demonstrate broad national consensus – from veterans, faith leaders, the business community, conservationists and more – for bold action on clean energy and climate. The new Repower effort, supported by an integrated online, field and advertising campaign, centers around a virtual Repower Wall, where thousands of people have already uploaded messages of strong support for action to create clean energy jobs, safeguard America’s economic and national security future, and solve the climate crisis. The Repower Wall may be accessed at www.repoweramerica.org/wall.

Veterans from Pennsylvania have already posted to the Repower Wall, including:

State Rep. Bryan Lentz, Veteran from Media, PA: “Global warming is a real threat. It’s a real threat to our environment and it’s a real threat to our national security. No less than the Department of Defense and CIA have listed it as such and are incorporating it into national security planning because of the impacts of things like famine, resource shortages and large displacements of populations on our national security. Also, this is the future of our economy. The jobs available in the renewable energy sector are the jobs of tomorrow.”

Watch Representative Lentz’s full Repower Wall post: http://www.repoweramerica.org/wall/#/view/14094

Brendan Flynn, Veteran from Meadville, PA: “I am really concerned about pushing a strong clean energy bill because it’s America’s chance to take back control and reduce our dependence on oil and fossil fuels, much of which comes from outside the country. If we can produce energy here at home that can strengthen our national security and also create jobs here in Northeastern Ohio, Northwestern Pennsylvania, and put people back to work and at the same time mitigate the effects of climate disruption that’s already causing national security headaches for us – that’s something the CIA … the Defense Department all are in agreement about. So if we can all do that – if we can protect American troops and put Americans back to work here at home, I think it’s something the United States Senate need to do …”

Watch Brendan’s full Repower Wall post: http://www.repoweramerica.org/wall/#/view/2582

Already, more than 22,000 individuals have added their faces and voices to the Repower Wall, and more than 40 leading corporations and non-governmental organizations have contributed their logos to the effort – including companies like Nike, PepsiCo, Starbucks, Staples, eBay and Exelon, as well as organizations such as the United Steel Workers, National Farmers Union, Trout Unlimited, Republicans for Environmental Protection and the American Nurses Association.

According to the Center for American Progress, transitioning to a clean energy economy will create more than 70,000 jobs here in Pennsylvania while revitalizing our economy, strengthening our national security and breaking our dependence on foreign oil.

Script: “Voices – Veterans” (TV-:30)

Ken Nagel, U.S. Navy Veteran: Why join the fight to repower America with clean energy?

General Brent Scowcroft: Because climate change threatens our national security.

Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman: It’s crucial that America become energy independent.

Jackie Rodgers, Jr., U.S. Navy Veteran: I saw first-hand how America’s dependence on foreign oil threatens our national security.

Terron Sims, Jr., U.S. Marine Corps Veteran: Stop sending our dollars overseas to be used against us.

Jonathan Powers, U.S. Army Veteran: America must reestablish itself as a country that leads by example.

General Wesley Clark: We need to repower and there is no better time to do it than right now.

About the Alliance for Climate Protection’s Repower America campaign:

The Alliance for Climate Protection launched the Repower America campaign to galvanize the American public around a bold new clean energy plan and a revitalized national energy infrastructure that will jumpstart our economy and create millions of jobs; help end our dependence on foreign oil; reward innovation and job creation, not polluters; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the threat of climate change. For more information, visit www.repoweramerica.org .

On the EPW Committee Vote

2009-11-09T16:46:00.004-05:00

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate Committee approved the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. Repower Pennsylvania Director Michael Fedor offered this statement:

Senator Specter’s vote this morning to move the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act out of committee is an important step forward on securing essential clean energy and climate protection legislation. I believe Senator Specter and Senator Casey will be strong partners with senators John Kerry, Lindsay Graham and Joe Lieberman in delivering a bipartisan energy and climate bill. While there is still much work to be done, Pennsylvania can be proud that one of its longest serving senators voted to strengthen our national security, protect our climate, and create 1.7 million new, sustainable jobs, including 70,000 right here in the Keystone State.

Senator Specter Votes for Clean Energy

2009-11-05T13:07:00.002-05:00

Earlier today, the U.S. Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works voted approved the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act by a vote of 10 to 1. Sen. Arlen Specter was among those who voted yes.

Read more at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

You can thank Senator Specter for his vote by calling 877-9-REPOWER and connecting to his Washington, DC office, or call one of his regional offices across Pennsylvania:

Allentown: 610-434-1444
Erie: 814-453-3010
Harrisburg: 717-782-3951
Philadelphia: 215-597-7200
Pittsburgh: 412-644-3400
Scranton: 570-346-2006
Wilkes-Barre: 570-826-6265

A brief, but powerful letter

2009-11-04T12:11:00.003-05:00

The fight to pass clean energy and climate protection legislation is being fought at all levels. A resident of Montgomery County sent in this letter to the Lansdale Reporter yesterday urging swift action on climate change. Businesspeople, workers, elected officials and everyday, ordinary people are raising their voices together for clean energy and climate protection.

Read this letter, and then, if you haven't done so yet, head over to the Repower Wall and record your message for clean energy action.

***

Global warming can no longer be ignored even by those who would choose to do so. It is simply a fact backed up by too much evidence.

As usual, Congress has failed to take decisive and immediate action. It is easier to placate special interests by moving slowly.

Right now, our U.S. senators are considering legislation to address global climate change, and the decisions they make over the coming days and weeks will determine whether polar bears, walruses, red wolves and other wildlife get the help they need to survive in a changing climate.

As guardians of this planet, both for our children and our wildlife, caution is not the answer. Meaningful action is needed to protect this beautiful planet we have been given from turning ugly and barren.

Marc Hoffman
North Wales

The Repower Wall is Open for Business!

2009-11-03T13:08:00.001-05:00

Repower Pennsylvania amplifies thousands of citizen voices for clean energy and climate action on historic Repower Wall
Using a groundbreaking, multimedia approach, business, faith, military, science and environmental leaders join thousands of grassroots supporters to “add your voice”

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Today, the Alliance for Climate Protection’s Repower Pennsylvania campaign unveiled a new campaign designed to demonstrate broad national consensus for action on clean energy and climate. An integrated multimedia effort supported by an online, field and advertising campaign, the new Repower effort centers around a virtual “Repower Wall,” where thousands of people have already uploaded messages of strong support for action to create clean energy jobs, safeguard America’s economic and national security future, and solve the climate crisis. The Repower Wall is available at www.repoweramerica.org/wall.

“Pennsylvanians have joined thousands of voices from across America on the Repower Wall to express their support for swift action to address climate change and to transition to a new 21st century clean energy economy,” said Repower Pennsylvania Director Michael Fedor. “The Repower Wall is becoming a hub for all Pennsylvanians who want to see our economy grow and to start down a path toward a new energy future for Pennsylvania and America.”

According to the Center for American Progress, transitioning to a clean energy economy will create more than 70,000 jobs here in Pennsylvania while revitalizing our economy, strengthening our national security and breaking our dependence on foreign oil.

Already, more than 12,000 individuals have added their faces and voices to the Repower Wall, and more than 40 leading corporations and non-governmental organizations have contributed their logos to the effort – including Fortune 500 Companies like Nike, Gap, Inc., Avon, PepsiCo, Starbucks, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Staples, eBay and Exelon.

The Repower Wall includes many Pennsylvanians from all backgrounds, such as small business owners, labor leaders and elected officials. Some voices from Pennsylvania include:

United Steelworkers International President Leo Gerard from Pittsburgh, Pa.: “It’s important that we make sure that the next generation has at least as good a shot in life as we did. In order to do that, we can’t have a tradeoff between good jobs and a clean environment. We need to have both or we will have neither.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G47vLiC7tV0

State Rep. Chelsa Wagner from Pittsburgh, Pa.: “There’s no better opportunity like now to do this for the United States. And as a new mother, to have my child grow up and be healthy and have an environment we can be proud of, but also know that during our lifetime we took the leadership.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyIzXW3yJ10

State Rep. Josh Shapiro from Abingdon, Pa.: “We can give families more money to take home if we simply stand up now and do what is right and what is necessary. We’re looking to everyone to make their voice heard and be a part of this project. This is the time to act.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaZL6GfhNz0

Calling on people across the U.S. to add their own message of support to the Repower Wall, a combination of notable names and everyday Americans are featured in a pair of national television ads titled “Voices” and “Faces” that also began airing today. The campaign has attracted a wave of messages from workers, business executives, military veterans, faith leaders, elected officials, entertainers, activists and people from across the country, demonstrating the deep and broad support for swift action on climate change and a transition to a new 21st century clean energy economy. See a list of notable endorsements below.

As supporters upload their photos, videos and messages of support for clean energy and climate action, they actually become the voice of the campaign’s efforts on TV, in print, on billboards, online and in brand new forms of communication that will go directly to elected leaders.

The Repower America campaign will roll out new versions of the television ads, featuring different participants, in the coming weeks. To learn more about the effort and view the television ads, visit the campaign web site: www.repoweramerica.org.

LIST OF NOTABLE PARTICIPANTS

Corporations
- North Face
- Gap, Inc.
- Seventh Generation
- Clif Bar and Company
- Levi Strauss Co.
- PepsiCo
- Avon
- Aspen Skiing Company
- AMD
- Starbucks
- Whole Foods
- Exelon
- Veterans Energy
- Lifetime
- Nike
- Ebay
- Tom’s Shoes

Organizations
- United Steel Workers
- National Farmers Union
- NAACP
- Blue Green Alliance
- Business Forward
- SEIU
- United Farm Workers
- Audubon
- Trout Unlimited
- Union of Concerned Scientists
- National Wildlife Federation
- Operation Freedom
- Vote Vets
- The Truman National Security Project
- Physicians for Social Responsibility
- Republicans for the environment
- WePlayGreen.org
- Sierra Club
- American Nurses’ Association

Individuals
- Sheryl Crow
- General Brent Scowcroft
- Lt. General Claudia Kennedy
- John Donahoe, CEO of Ebay
- Ted Turner
- Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo
- General Wesley Clark
- Reverend Richard Cizik
- Theodore Roosevelt IV
- Sally Ride
- Brig. Gen. Stephen Cheney (USMC)
- Andrea Wong, CEO of Lifetime
- Leo Gerard
- Mayor John Hickenlooper
- Mayor Shirley Franklin
- Mayor Mike Bloomberg
- Rev. Lennox Yearwood
- Dr. Peter Wilk
- Dr. Rebecca M. Patton
- MLK III
- Dr. Rajendra Pachuari
- Professor Stephen Hawking
- Eddy Moore, AR Business Leaders for a Clean Energy Economy
- Bill Keith, CEO Sunrise Solar

TV AD SCRIPTS:

Script: “Voices” (TV-:30)

JoJo Farrell, Teacher: “Why join the fight to repower America with clean energy?”
Sheryl Crow, Singer/Songwriter: “Because millions of people believe it will make a better future for our children;”
General Brent Scowcroft: “Because climate change threatens our national security;”
Rev. C. Douglas Smith: “We have a responsibility to protect God’s creation;”
Ted Turner, Founder, UN Foundation: “Because I want jobs that are made in America;”
Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo: “Because of some of America’s most trusted companies know clean energy will create new industries and new jobs;”
Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York City: “Because I want America to lead the way;”
All: “So add your voice. Add your voice;”
VO: “Add your voice at repoweramerica.org/wall”

###

Script: “Faces” (TV-:30)

VO: Teachers and Students,
Business and Labor,
Scientists and the Clergy,
Energy Companies and Environmentalists,
Doctors and Military Leaders,
Republicans and Democrats,
They all agree now is the time to lead.
We have a historic opportunity to end our dependence on foreign oil and rebuild our economy by investing in a clean energy future.
Now is the time to Repower America.
Add your voice at repoweramerica.org/wall

About the Alliance for Climate Protection’s Repower America campaign:
The Alliance for Climate Protection launched the Repower America campaign to galvanize the American public around a bold new clean energy plan and a revitalized national energy infrastructure that will jumpstart our economy and create millions of jobs; help end our dependence on foreign oil; reward innovation and job creation, not polluters; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the threat of climate change. For more information, visit www.repoweramerica.org.

Contstruction Workers' Union Tells Senators Benefits of Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

2009-10-30T13:00:00.001-04:00

LIUNA – One of the Nation’s Largest Unions of Construction Workers – Testifies for Job-Creating Investments During Senate Hearing on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE )--LIUNA – one of the nation’s largest unions of construction workers – backed significantly increased investment in residential weatherization during a U.S. Senate hearing today on the Clean Energy Jobs and America Power Act.

“Weatherizing homes, which account for 22 percent of America’s energy consumption, can reduce our dependence on foreign oil and create hundreds of thousands of family-supporting jobs,” Dave Johnson, LIUNA’s Eastern Region Organizing Director, said in testimony before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

The Clean Energy Jobs and America Power Act would expand programs to weatherize the estimated 100 million energy inefficient homes in America. Johnson described how LIUNA’s breakthrough national weatherization training program is already connecting workers to careers after the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allotted $5 billion to expand low-income home weatherization.

Weatherization on a nationwide scale will require the creation of a new American industry, with tens of thousands of new workers and a 40-fold increase in the capacity of existing weatherization businesses. LIUNA has created a breakthrough training program to meet the demand.

Johnson testified on the success of LIUNA’s efforts, including LIUNA Local 55’s weatherization training program in Newark, New Jersey. “Nearly 80 low-income community residents in New Jersey have been trained as LIUNA installers and hundreds more have come to informational meetings seeking to participate in the program. We’ll be able to deliver. Our training center recently won a bid to train 600 workers for the NJ Department of Labor over 18 months,” he said.

Johnson also cited New York City weatherization contractor CEC, which recently signed a contract with LIUNA Local 10, to demonstrate how the new industry benefits those too often left behind in today’s economy. “For five years, CEC’s women’s locker-room went unused because they had no women construction workers. Now, by partnering with LIUNA and the community, CEC’s employees include women, many of them single mothers who are finding a family-supporting career and doors opening to new opportunity.”

Weatherization can reduce a home’s energy use by as much as 40 percent and cut energy bills by $21 billion annually – an estimated average annual savings of $350 per homeowner. By retrofitting energy inefficient homes, America can lower residential greenhouse gas emission by 60 million metric tons annually by 2020. Every million homes weatherized supports 78,000 jobs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates a $2.73 return in benefits for each $1 invested in weatherization.”

LIUNA relies on experienced instructors who provide trainees with a broad set of skills and credentials such as Technicians/Installers, Weatherization Supervisors and Energy Auditors.

“If done right, weatherization will create tens of thousands of family-supporting jobs, reduce homeowners’ energy bills, help free our nation from foreign oil and protect the environment – it’s a win-win no matter how you look at it,” said LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan of the residential weatherization effort. “We commend Chairwoman Boxer and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for their leadership and we look forward to the day when millions of Americans confidentially call the LIUNA woman or LIUNA man to weatherize their homes and save their families money.”

Statement on Mayor Michael A. Nutter’s Testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works

2009-10-28T17:04:00.000-04:00

Repower Pennsylvania Director Michael Fedor released the following statement in response to Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter’s appearance before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works:

“We applaud Mayor Nutter’s testimony this morning before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works hearing on the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. Under Mayor Nutter’s leadership, Philadelphia is emerging as a national leader for cities investing in clean energy and climate protection at the local level.

“As Mayor Nutter pointed out in his Senate testimony, clean energy policies will create thousands of new jobs in the Philadelphia area. The region is already home to 14,400 green jobs, a number that could double in the next five years with passage of comprehensive clean energy reform.

“These goals and many others are placing Philadelphia on pace to meet Mayor Nutter’s goal of making it ‘the Greenest City in America.’ Repower Pennsylvania is calling on mayors across the state to follow Mayor Nutter’s example and share their clean energy success stories in their cities. With workers, businesses, neighborhoods and government working together, we can create thousands of clean energy jobs, revitalize American power and protect our climate for future generations.”

Contact:
Benjamin Freed
Repower Pennsylvania Communications Director
917-903-3031
benjamin.freed@climateprotect.org

Report: Climate change bill would bring jobs to Pa.

2009-10-27T09:59:00.003-04:00

From this morning's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a new study showing the benefits of clean energy legislation to Pennsylvania:

Report: Climate change bill would bring jobs to Pa.

A report by the University of Illinois, the University of California and Yale University says that climate and energy legislation now in Congress, if passed, could create up to 78,000 new jobs in Pennsylvania. The report said investments under the American Clean Energy and Security Act could add up to $4.3 billion to the state's gross domestic product. The San Francisco-based Energy Foundation, an advocate for energy efficiency and renewable energy, commissioned the report.

Read it at the Post-Gazette.

White House Report on Green Jobs and Clean Energy Savings for Middle-Class Families

2009-10-19T12:41:00.003-04:00

From the White House this morning, Vice President Biden unveiled a report on expanding green jobs and clean energy savings for middle-class families.

Vice President Biden Unveils Report Focused on Expanding Green Jobs And Energy Savings For Middle Class Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Vice President Biden today unveiled Recovery Through Retrofit, a report that builds on the foundation laid in the Recovery Act to expand green job opportunities and boost energy savings by making homes more energy efficient. Joining the Vice President today were Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality; Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy; Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor; Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and Karen Mills, Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

At a Middle Class Task Force meeting earlier this year, the Vice President asked the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) to develop a proposal for Federal action to lay the groundwork for a self-sustaining home energy efficiency retrofit industry. In response, CEQ facilitated a broad interagency process with the Office of the Vice President, eleven Departments and Agencies and six White House Offices to develop recommendations for how to use existing authority and funding to accomplish this goal. These recommendations are described in detail in the Recovery Through Retrofit Report.

"Recovery Through Retrofit is a blueprint that will create good green jobs – jobs that can’t be outsourced, and jobs that will be the cornerstones of a 21st-Century economy," said Vice President Biden. "And, thanks to the Recovery Act’s unprecedented investments in energy efficiency, we are making it easier for American families to retrofit their homes - helping them save money while reducing carbon emissions and creating a healthier environment for our families."

"This report builds on the foundation laid in the Recovery Act to expand green job and business opportunities for the middle class while ensuring that the energy efficiency market will thrive for years to come," said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. "An aggressive program to retrofit American homes and businesses will create more work, more savings, and better health for middle class Americans."

Existing techniques and technologies in energy efficiency retrofitting can reduce energy use by up to 40 percent per home and lower total associated greenhouse gas emissions by up to 160 million metric tons annually. Retrofitting existing homes also has the potential to cut home energy bills by $21 billion annually. Yet, despite the real energy cost savings and environmental benefits associated with improving home energy efficiency, a series of barriers have prevented a self-sustaining retrofit market from forming. These barriers include a lack of access to information, financing and skilled workers.

The recommendations and actions in this Report have been carefully designed to help overcome these barriers and to leverage Recovery Act funding to help ensure that the energy efficiency market will thrive long after the Recovery Act money is fully spent.

Some recommendations in the report include:

Provide American Homeowners with Straightforward and Reliable Home Energy Retrofit Information: Consumers need consistent, accessible, and trusted information that provides a reliable benchmark of energy efficiency and sound estimates of the costs and benefits of home energy retrofits.
Reduce High Upfront Costs, Making Energy Retrofits More Accessible: Access to retrofit financing should be more transparent, more accessible, repayable over a longer time period, and more consumer-friendly.
Establish National Workforce Certifications and Training Standards: A uniform set of national standards to qualify energy efficiency and retrofit workers and industry training providers will establish the foundation of consumer confidence that work will be completed correctly and produce the expected energy savings and benefits. Such standards should incorporate healthy and environmentally friendly housing principles, as outlined in the report titled, the Surgeon General’s Call to Action To Promote Healthy Homes (2009). Proper certification and training standards will ensure that retrofitted homes are healthy homes. Consistent high-level national standards will spur the utilization of qualified training providers that offer career-track programs for people of all skill levels, promote and expand green jobs opportunities and facilitate the mobilization of a national home retrofit workforce.
To read the full report and recommendations, please go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/Recovery_Through_Retrofit_Final_Report.pdf

"As Secretary of Labor I'm working to help build the clean energy economy of tomorrow by investing in our workers today," said Secretary Solis "Training for green jobs can empower workers to climb the career ladder, sustain a family and provide a secure retirement. Through Recovery through Retrofit, we're committing to meet the needs of workers, employers and homeowners, so we can shape our clean energy future into one that supports working families and is inclusive of the diversity of our nation."

"I am proud to join my colleagues today in announcing Recovery through Retrofit," said Secretary Donovan. "It will allow us to work closely together to remove barriers to creating more energy efficient homes for American families. This initiative will not only lead to cost savings for homeowners and reduce negative environmental impact, but will also be a powerful vehicle for economic recovery by creating quality middle class jobs and lasting neighborhood benefits. This is another demonstration of HUD's commitment to creating jobs for the new economy in high growth industries by encouraging and investing in "green" building and energy retrofits."

"This initiative will not only result in considerable cost savings for homeowners on their energy bills, but also put resources in the hands of green sector small businesses who will in turn create good-paying jobs in communities across the country," said SBA Administrator Mills.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, who was unable to attend this event due to travel added, "This is the Recovery Act at work. Communities will benefit from good jobs, families will benefit from lower energy bills, and we will all benefit from reduced air pollution and a growing green economy. Our Energy Star program can help families cut up to 30% off their energy bills -- saving the average household more than $700 a year through efficiency investments. EPA is proud to be working with all of our partners to help people save money when they need it the most, and build a new foundation for prosperity through a growing green economy."

The Department of Energy today also announced $454 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for energy efficiency efforts nationwide.
The Department is now accepting applications for a new $390 million "Retrofit Ramp-Up" program that will deploy innovative approaches to energy efficiency building retrofits. These Recovery Act funds will help create new partnerships to deliver energy bill savings to entire neighborhoods and towns. Bringing energy retrofits to whole neighborhoods at a time will simplify the process for homeowners and significantly reduce costs. When applied on a national scale, the program could save billions of dollars annually in utility bills for households and businesses and create thousands of jobs across the country. In addition, the Energy Department announced $64 million in energy efficiency funding for cities, counties, and Indian tribes.

"The Retrofit Ramp-Up initiative is designed to slice through the barriers identified in this report - inconvenience, lack of information, and lack of financing - and to make energy efficiency easy and accessible to all," said Secretary Chu. "We want to make our communities more energy efficient, block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood -- eventually expanding to entire cities and states. We can literally bring energy efficiency to the doorsteps of the American people."

Separately, the Department of Energy will accept state proposals to use State Energy Grant or Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant funds for Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) pilots. This is an innovative model which allows communities to provide financing to homeowners to install renewable energy systems and retrofit buildings that can be paid off over time on their property tax bills. Today, the White House is announcing a "Policy Framework for PACE Financing Programs" developed through an interagency process to ensure that effective homeowner and lender safeguards are included in PACE programs.

To read the framework, please go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/PACE_Principles.pdf

To ensure implementation of the Recovery Through Retrofit Report’s recommendations, CEQ will continue to convene an interagency Energy Retrofit Working Group which will be co-chaired by the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Agriculture.

The group will track the progress of the Report’s recommendations, develop additional strategies to support expansion of the retrofit market, including recommendations for rental housing, and operate as the single point of contact for the implementation of this effort. Within thirty days, the group will submit an implementation plan to the Vice President. Moreover, the group will report to the Vice President regularly on its progress toward implementing each of the recommendations identified in the Report.

###

Veterans for Clean Energy Rolling Through Pennsylvania this Week

2009-10-19T12:36:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, the Operation Free Veterans for American Power bus tour will be rolling through Pennsylvania with veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan speaking out on the need for the United States to strengthen its national security by transitioning to clean energy and ending our dependency on sources of energy from unfriendly nations.

The cross-country tour will be making stops in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Scranton. See below for all the details.

***

Military veterans are traveling across the country on a 21-state bus tour to talk to citizens and local community leaders about the dangers of climate change and its threat to national security. The tour will make stops in Pennsylvania on October 20th, 21st and 22nd.

The tour is sponsored by Operation Free, a coalition of veterans and national security groups working together to raise public awareness about national security threats posed by climate change and the importance of building a clean energy economy that is not tied to fossil fuels.

In conjunction with the tour, the veterans group VoteVets.org is running a heavy buy of radio ads in Harrisburg and Scranton featuring local veterans.

Operation Free and its members support a clean energy plan that cuts carbon pollution, develops clean energy incentives, and puts America in control of its energy future. If you would like to set up an interview with one of the veterans traveling on the bus, please contact David Solimini at 757-876-0295. For more information about the tour, visit the Operation Free Veterans for American Power Bus Tour website (http://www.operationfree.net/on-the-bus/).

Pennsylvania Tour Schedule

Pittsburgh PA: Veterans will hold a press conference, take a tour of the Oakland Veterans Hospital, and have dinner and toast to veterans in Pittsburgh.

Tour of Oakland Veterans Hospital
WHEN: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
4:00 PM
WHERE: Oakland Vets Hospital
University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA

Press Conference
WHEN: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
5:15 PM
WHERE: Pittsburgh Jobs Corps Center
7175 Highland Drive, Pittsburgh, PA

Dinner and Toast to Veterans
WHEN: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
6:30 PM
WHERE: Primanti Brothers Restaurant
3803 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA

Harrisburg, PA: Veterans will host a breakfast roundtable with local veterans and a press conference with local veterans and officials. They will then take a tour of a local job training site with union members.

Breakfast Roundtable
WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
10:00 AM
WHERE: Bagel Lovers coffee shop
327 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA

Press conference
WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
11:00 AM
WHERE: Capitol Rotunda
228 Walnut St., Harrisburg, PA
PARTICIPANTS: Paul Bachman, Central PA Building Trades President
Terry Peck, UA Local 520 Business Manager
Local veterans

Tour of Job Training Center
WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
11:50 AM
WHERE: Plumbers & Pipefitters 520
7193 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA

Philadelphia, PA: Veterans will host a town hall with State Rep. Brian Lentz

WHEN: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
6:30 PM
WHERE: Philadelphia City Hall, Mayor's Reception Room (Room 202)
Enter through NE entrance of City Hall, near intersection of Juniper and Market Streets.

Scranton, PA: Veterans will host a press conference with local citizens.

WHEN: Thursday, October 22, 2009
10:15 AM
WHERE: Civil War Memorial for press conference
N. Washington Ave and Spruce Street, Scranton, PA

Morning Call: Bethlehem water agency explores adding wind power

2009-10-09T10:09:00.002-04:00

From today's Morning Call in Allentown:

Bethlehem water agency explores adding wind power
By Nicole Radzievich

The Bethlehem agency that owns the city's water supply in its spring-fed reservoirs in the Poconos is looking at harnessing another natural resource there: the wind.

In a time when clean energy and green living have become buzz words, the Bethlehem Authority decided Thursday to begin evaluating two companies who want to build a windmill farm at the watershed.

Proposed are 30 to 70 turbines, about 180 feet tall, on the rural ridges of Carbon and Monroe counties. Depending on how many turbines are erected, the enterprise could eventually bring the authority $200,000 to $500,000 a year and provide enough renewable energy to power more than 10,000 homes.

Read the rest of the article here.

The Senate is beginning to debate the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act that will help the United States transition to a clean energy economy. Investing $6.1 billion in Pennsylvania's clean energy industries will create 70,000 jobs within two years, protect our climate for future generations, and reduce our dependency on foreign sources of fossil fuel, making our country more safe and secure.

Repower Pennsylvania Goes Where Eagles Dare

2009-10-06T15:32:00.001-04:00

On Monday, Oct. 5, Repower Pennsylvania organizers attended the Alliance for American Manufacturing's Keep it Made in America town hall event at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Today's Repower Roundup

2009-10-01T12:34:00.003-04:00

GE: The US Chamber Does Not Speak for Us on Climate
http://bit.ly/ViQuz

Pete Altman
NRDC
September 30, 2009

Another company has joined the procession of firms distancing themselves from the US Chamber of Commerce's position on climate change, making it clear that the Chamber does not represent its views. General Electric told Politico that:

"We're a member of the Chamber because a lot of our customers are there, a lot of our competitors, so we get a good perspective on issues of national import," says GE spokesman Peter O'Toole. "The Chamber does not speak for us on climate legislation, but we are still a member."

Also, Bloomberg News reported that GE said "neither [the chamber nor National Association of Manufacturers] represent GE's view that advanced energy and climate legislation is needed."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4cZdvy6PnhY&feature=player_embedded

To help keep track of which companies have done what, I'm going try keeping a running tab:

Quit US Chamber: Exelon, PNM Resources, PG&E.

Quit US Chamber Board: Nike.

Says Chamber doesn't represent their views on climate: Johnson&Johnson, GE.

Repower Pennsylvania Hails Senate Progress To Put America Back In Control With Clean Energy

2009-09-30T14:23:00.001-04:00

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania – The Climate Protection Action Fund’s Repower Pennsylvania today issued the following statement on the Senate introducing the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act:

“By passing comprehensive clean energy and climate policies we’ll put America back in control of our economic and security future, make our nation more energy independent and create millions of new jobs by harnessing clean energy sources that are made in Pennsylvania,” said State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York. “Our dependence on foreign oil hurts our economy, aids our enemies and puts our national security at risk. The big oil companies, their lobbyists and their front groups spend millions to protect their record profits and maintain the status quo, but Pennsylvania knows it’s time for change.”

A Zogby International poll released in August showed that a majority of American voters — 71 percent — strongly support House-passed clean energy and climate legislation, citing the job growth that would result from enacting new clean energy policies.

“Today’s action in the U.S. Senate is critical progress,” said Repower Pennsylvania State Director Michael Fedor. “New clean energy and climate policies will put America back in control of our economic and security future, make us more energy independent and create thousands of new jobs for Pennsylvania.”

Pennsylvania ranks third in the nation in clean energy jobs with 38,700, fifth in clean energy businesses with nearly 3,000 according to a study by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

According to the Center for American Progress, transitioning to a clean energy economy will create more than 70,000 jobs in Pennsylvania. And a recent report by the Union of Concerned Scientists found that comprehensive clean energy and climate policies can save Pennsylvania households $1,120 a year by 2030. Further, Pennsylvania’s wind energy resources could power more than 1 million homes according to the American Wind Energy Association.

Photos from the Rally

2009-09-29T10:21:00.002-04:00

Last Wednesday, over 2200 people came to Point State Park in Pittsburgh for the Clean Energy Jobs Now! Rally and Concert sponsored by Repower America, the United Steelworkers and the Blue Green Alliance. We heard from elected officials, labor leaders and ordinary people making a difference with clean energy jobs. Joan Jett, Big Head Todd and Kathy Mattea provided the entertainment, along with a few local favorites.

Below are some photos taken by Repower Pennsylvania staffers. Enjoy, and if you made it out last week, thanks for coming!

Getting Ready for Wednesday

2009-09-20T19:33:00.003-04:00

Chicago may be the Windy City, but Pittsburgh can be a leader in wind energy and other clean energy opportunities. (To say nothing of six Super Bowl titles to 'Da Bears' one.)

Three days remain until the Made in America Clean Energy Jobs Rally and Concert at Pittsburgh's Point State Park. On Wednesday night, thousands of Pennsylvanians will join the Alliance for Climate Protection, United Steelworkers and the Blue Green Alliance for a rally and concert to voice their support for the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Music will be provided by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Kathy Mattea and a few local favorites. Also on hand will be Gov. Ed Rendell, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka, USW President Leo Gerard, Alliance for Climate Protection CEO Maggie Fox and Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope.

On Sunday evening, Repower Pennsylvania's statewide team arrived in Pittsburgh ready to make sure the rally and concert Wednesday night sends a message loud and clear that Pennsylvania wants to see meaningful clean energy and climate reform enacted by Washington in order to create tens of thousands of new jobs and leave a better world for future generations.

If you haven't done so yet, RSVP for the rally here.

Pa Wind Farms Receive Recovery Act Investments

2009-09-03T11:56:00.002-04:00

September 2, 2009

Wind farms in Cambria and Schuylkill counties are among a dozen clean energy projects that will receive funding under an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act program that provides cash assistance to energy production companies in place of earned tax credits.

The U.S. departments of Treasury and Energy this week announced a $42.2 million grant to Highland Wind Farm, a 62.5 megawatt facility under construction in Cambria County, and a $59.2 million grant to Locust Ridge II, a 102 megawatt project in Schuylkill County.

“These investments allow Pennsylvania’s energy companies to move ahead with projects that not only provide clean, renewable energy to reduce greenhouse emissions and curb climate change, but also to create and retain family-sustaining jobs and expanding Pennsylvania’s green economy,” Governor Edward G. Rendell said.

The two projects will produce enough electricity to power approximately 59,000 homes, the Governor said.

The grants are among a total of $500 million in Recovery Act investments announced this week for 12 wind and solar energy projects in eight states, the first round of grants in a program that is expected to provide more than $3 billion in financial support for clean energy projects by providing direct payments in lieu of tax credits.

The departments of Treasury and Energy last month announced the Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit Program, which provides for $2.3 billion in tax credits under the Recovery Act for businesses that manufacture equipment for clean energy technology. For more information, visit www.energy.gov/recovery/48C.htm. Applications are due to the Department of Energy by Sept. 16.

“The Recovery Act is working in Pennsylvania to stimulate economic growth in the clean energy sector, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to air pollution and climate change,” Governor Rendell said.

To learn more about how the federal economic stimulus is benefitting Pennsylvania, visit www.recovery.pa.gov.

‘China will sign’ global treaty if U.S. passes cap and trade, E.U. leader says

2009-08-27T08:56:00.001-04:00

‘China will sign’ global treaty if U.S. passes cap and trade, E.U. leader says

By Paul Voosen

August 26, 2009

http://www.eenews.net/Greenwire/2009/08/26/3/

Much of the fate of the U.N. climate treaty talks now rests in the U.S. Senate, according to a leading E.U. official, who says China would "lose its last reason" not to support an international pact if the United States passes a cap-and-trade bill.

"I know for the American Senate it's absolutely crucial to know that China will sign the treaty," said Sweden's environment minister, Andreas Carlgren, whose country currently holds the European Union's rotating presidency. "I understand that. We fully support that. We have the same expectations."

"The difference is that we [Europeans] have done so many things already, and the Senate is still deciding on cap and trade," Carlgren said yesterday in an interview at the Swedish embassy. "If the Senate would pass it, there would be no reason for China not to sign up."

Carlgren led a delegation of E.U. officials -- known as the "troika" -- to Washington over the past several days to meet with Todd Stern, the lead U.S. envoy on climate change, and Michael Froman, deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs. The bilateral talks were meant to work past the malaise that has gripped recent U.N. negotiations.

"We've seen that the negotiations are too slow, and too little will be achieved if we continue with this slow pace," Carlgren said.

Carlgren was recently in China, and said "it seems the Chinese are very serious" about climate change and, while "it is not very easy to turn a tanker around, the first step is that the captain has to understand that he has to make a move." China understands that, he said, and the efficiency goals it has already set in its five-year plan will reduce emissions.

E.U. and U.S. officials want a firmer commitment, signed into international treaty, that will expand and possibly raise China's efficiency and renewable commitments until 2020. They are unlikely to ask for hard caps, officials have indicated.

In the ongoing climate treaty talks, the European Union expects more from the United States than its current proposals on midterm emissions targets and adaptation funds for developing nations, Carlgren said.

"We expect much from the United States, certainly more than we saw in President Obama's first bid for the midterm perspective," Carlgren said. Establishing a "sufficiently ambitious" target remains a key issue between Europe and the United States, he added.

European negotiators have insisted that comparable steps to reduce climate change be taken on both sides of the Atlantic. (E.U. states are set to trim emissions 20 percent from 1990 levels by 2020.) However, given that the U.S. 2020 target is unlikely to exceed the limits proposed in the House's climate bill -- which, under rosy projections, would drop emissions by no more than 13 percent below 1990 levels -- the bloc is open to broadening its view on what is considered comparable, Carlgren said.

Among other areas, "efforts on financing could also be taken into account," he said. Also, "if America could really go for a steeper pathway after 2020, that could also be taken into account."

The issue of how much funding will be available from wealthy countries for developing nations for climate adaptation also remains a point of friction. Reports out of the recent U.N. talks in Bonn, Germany, saw little more than $10 billion in annual payments on the table, while the African Union has considered asking for $70 billion in payments.

Europe would like to see this figure settle at somewhere between €25 billion and €50 billion, Carlgren said.

"Together, we have to show developing countries that we are prepared to pay support or create economic possibilities for strong action on adaptation or to avoid deforestation," he said.

Carlgren was joined on the trip by representatives from the European Commission, the European Union's executive arm, and Spain, which will hold the presidency beginning next year.

The Swedish minister has been flummoxed by some of the debate he has heard over the climate bill as it is set to be discussed next month in the Senate.

"There are some crazy calculations going around here in America" and largely distributed by lobbyists, he said. "But we can show that there is no alternative [to cap and trade] that would lower emissions at a lower cost."

He is bemused, also, by the image Americans have of his homeland, which is in fact reliant on heavy industry like steel, iron and paper pulp.

"Americans sometimes tend to underestimate how dependent the Swedish economy is on export and industry," he said. "That's our great dependence."

Sweden imposed a price on carbon in the 1990s, but it also draws the vast majority of its electricity from carbon-free hydroelectric and nuclear power.

Zogby: Americans Support Clean Energy, Green Jobs, and Expect Senators Support.

2009-08-11T15:37:00.004-04:00

If you are among the cynical Americans that either do not believe climate change is real or think we are too far gone, today is not your day. Zogby International announced the results of a recent poll that found 71% of Americans, a solid majority, believe in the basic premises of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

That is, they believe that our nation should invest in and require:

1) 20% by 2020: power companies must generate 20% of their energy from clean and renewable sources.

2) Reduction of green house gases (CO2) by 17%.

3) Energy efficiency standards for appliances and building codes to encourage conservation.

Additionally, Americans are not being fooled by false advertising on the high costs and job losses and instead are quite positive about a clean energy future.

"two-thirds (68%) of likely voters believe a new American energy policy will not result in job losses, with a majority believing such efforts could instead bring about job growth."

"Fifty-four percent believe the Senate should take action on the bill because "we need a new energy plan right now that invests in American, renewable energy sources like wind and solar, in order to create clean energy jobs, address global warming and reduce our dependency on foreign oil."

All of this should not be suprising if you consider the realities that hard working Americans face in their communities. They are seeing friends and familiy losing their jobs, losing their houses, losing their benefits, and losing a that oppurtunity a decent life. They voted for an America that is a sustainable place in which they can get a job, buy a house, and raise their family. A clean energy economy would ensure that.

Call 1-877-9-REPOWER to share YOUR views on clean energy and green jobs with YOUR senators.

City Celebrates Repower America Day

2009-08-03T13:43:00.001-04:00

Pittsburgh City Council unanimously adopted a resolution this morning delcaring today Repower America Day in the City of Pittsburgh. Read more about our efforts to talk to Pittsburgh residents about repowering the Steel City and Pennsylvania.

West Chester Office Opens to Enthusiastic Crowd

2009-07-31T22:44:00.002-04:00

West Chester Office Opening: 7.30.09
Originally uploaded by Repower PA

West Chester, PA - The Southeastern office of Repower America opened its doors on Thursday to an enthusiastic group of more than 60 well-wishers who turned out to find out more about getting involved in Repower Pennsylvania's work. Attendees discussed the benefits of turning America's efforts towards a new, clean energy economy.

"Everyone I spoke to at the office opening wanted to know one thing: how can they get involved?" said State Director Michael Fedor.

Field Coordinators Laura Vendetta and Dan Dueholm worked the crowd, recruited volunteers to host green BBQs, participate in phone banks, and be part of a major mobilization that will begin in Pennsylvania on August 10.

The West Chester office is located at 203 S High Street, West Chester, PA. Office Hours and contact information for the office are forthcoming. in the meantime, email pennsylvania@repoweramerica.org or send us a message on facebook if you wish to get involved.

Councilman hopes to officially welcome Repower to Pittsburgh on Monday

2009-07-31T17:51:00.003-04:00

fedor-dowd-09
Originally uploaded by Repower PA

City Councilman Patrick Dowd will introduce a resolution on Monday officially welcoming The Alliance for Climate Protection and the Repower America campaign to the City of Pittsburgh. State Director Michael Fedor and Pittsburgh Field Coordinators will attend the Monday City Council meeting at 10:00 am to be present for the presentation of the resolution.

"We are thrilled to be welcomed to the City of Pittsburgh and encouraged to reach out to the residents of the city to talk about a new energy future for America," said State Director Michael Fedor. "Pittsburgh is a wonderful city and could become ground zero for the new energy economy when Congress finally establishes a national energy and climate policy."

More than 70 people turned out to Repower America's Pittsburgh office opening on July 28. A major grassroots organizing campaign kicks off in the state on August 10.

At 2 Cents a Gallon, Climate Bill Is a Bargain

2009-07-30T13:33:00.004-04:00

To paraphrase Joe Lieberman; it is imperative that Congress and the American public think long term in regards to energy security and climate protection. We could not agree more.

The Climate Security Act, which Senator Lieberman is a sponsor of, would "cap carbon dioxide emissions on smokestacks and tailpipes and allow companies to trade credits so long as pollution remains below the cap", effectively reducing our carbon footprint and encourage clean industry.

Critics say this piece of legislation would raise the cost of energy for consumers and support Bush-era policies of negotiating with countries like Saudi Arabia to increase their oil supply, keeping prices low.

What is wrong with this short-term strategy?

1) It ignores that the world's oil supply is rapidly decreasing and high prices are unavoidable.
2) It means we will continue to buy oil overseas which reduces our national security.
3) It keeps us from investing in industries that are clean, green, and would create millions of jobs.

Will prices go up? The U.S. Department of Energy says this Act would cause a 2 cent raise in the price of gasoline.

Is that 2 cents worth a paving the way to an innovative country that protects our climate, creates jobs, and is self sufficient? You make the decision.

"At 2 Cents a Gallon, Climate Bill Is a Bargain"
Dan Shapley, The Daily Green
Published: The San Francisco Chronicle
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2009/07/29/hearstmaggreen344831.DTL

Seeing is Believing: The Ten Best Jobs for the Next Decade

2009-07-30T10:39:00.012-04:00

The question on everybody's mind is what are the jobs of the future that are going to bring us out of the economic crisis ? What do they look like? Will they be in the areas that I live in? Will I be able to feed my family, pay my mortgage, and save some money for retirement?

Anya Kamenetz, a staff writer for Mansueto Ventures addresses those concerns in detail in here column "The Ten Best Jobs for the Next Decade".

Massive investments in clean energy promise to keep farmers, urban planners, and green-tech entrepreneurs in business for the next decade. This guide to sustainability focused career paths will help solar-charge your work life.

From the East Coast to the West the answer is clear: our future is good paying and green jobs.

http://www.fastcompany.com/articles/2009/01/best-green-jobs.html

Repower America Pittsburgh Office Opening 008

2009-07-29T20:21:00.001-04:00

Repower America Pittsburgh Office Opening 008
Originally uploaded by Repower PA

THANK YOU to the more than 70 people who turned out last night at our Pittsburgh office opening (and the 27 or so others who wished they could come but sent their regrets). We were so pleased to see so many people turn out on a warm (muggy) Tuesday night in Lawrenceville.

Our first night was powerful - we heard from the Lauren Horne of the Blue-Green Alliance, State Senator Jim Ferlo (D), Pittsburgh City Councilman Patrick Dowd (D) - all of whom welcomed us to Pittsburgh.

After a call to action from State Director Michael Fedor, volunteers got to work pledging their support for clean energy, declaring their energy independence, and signing letters to the editor to the local papers in support of a new, clean energy future for America.

Become a fan of REPOWER AMERICA - PENNSYLVANIA on Facebook or come back soon for more information on upcoming events.

Senate Ag Committe has role to play in climate debate

2009-07-21T09:49:00.003-04:00

In her article in Monday's New York Times, Allison Winter explores the role of the U.S. Senate's Agriculture Committee in shaping the climate debate - particularly its version of the legislation passed in June by the House of Represenatatives.

Winter reports:

Harkin and other senators on the Agriculture Committee have said they want to ensure any effort at wide-ranging climate legislation in the Senate will include all of the provisions that House Agriculture Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) brokered for the House cap-and-trade bill.

Ag Committee Schedule: The hearing is Wednesday, July 22, at 1 p.m. in 325 Russell.

Witnesses: Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack; EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson; John Holdren, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology; Roger Johnson, president of National Farmers Union; Bob Stallman, president of American Farm Bureau Federation; and Jo Pierce, a family tree farmer from Maine, representing the Forest Climate Working Group.

Committee Members:

Tom Harkin, (D-IA) Chairman	Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) Ranking Member
Patrick J. Leahy, Vermont	Richard G. Lugar, Indiana
Kent Conrad, North Dakota	Thad Cochran, Mississippi
Max Baucus, Montana	Mitch McConnell, Kentucky
Blanche Lincoln, Arkansas	Pat Roberts, Kansas
Debbie Stabenow, Michigan	Mike Johanns, Nebraska*
E. Benjamin Nelson, Nebraska	Charles Grassley, Iowa
Sherrod Brown, Ohio	John Thune, South Dakota
Robert Casey, Jr., Pennsylvania	Republican Leader Designee TBD
Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota
Michael Bennet, Colorado*
Kirsten Gillibrand, New York*

Crossing 100 on Facebook

2009-07-21T09:35:00.002-04:00

The Repower American Pennsylvania page on Facebook just passed 100 fans. Our Facebook page is a great place to learn of upcoming events, post links, comment on stories, and connect with other allies of climate protection.

Canvassers of the day in Pittsburgh!

2009-07-18T21:10:00.001-04:00

Canvass
Originally uploaded by Repower PA

Canvassers Jake and Amber hit the most doors with the greatest number of conversations during one of the Pittsburgh canvasses and scored this eco-logical water bottle as a thank you for their good efforts. Well done!

We're taking the message to the streets of rebuilding the U.S. economy one clean energy job at a time.

City of Champions Canvass!

2009-07-18T21:08:00.001-04:00

Canvass
Originally uploaded by Repower PA

As part of the first mobilization weekend of the Repower America campaign, Randi and Kyle head out to knock on doors as volunteers in Pittsburgh. The Pennsylvania team hit 997 doors in it first effort. Well done Pennsylvania!

Mobilization Weekend in Pennsylvania (July 18 & 19)

2009-07-17T16:03:00.002-04:00

Volunteers will be out knocking on doors in Pennsylvania this weekend, talking to average Pennsylvanians about the benefits of a energy economy built around clean, renewable energy and green jobs.

We're looking for volunteers to report to one of seven canvasses being held this weekend across the state of Pennsylvania. For details on each canvass, including times and staging locations, follow the links below. We hope to see you there!

Door to Door for Green Jobs (Pittsburgh #1)

Door to Door for Green Jobs (Pittsburgh #2)

Door to Door for Green Jobs (Pittsburgh #3)

Door to Door for Green Jobs (Pittsburgh #4)

Door to Door for Green Jobs (West Chester)

Door to Door for Green Jobs (Philadelphia)

Going Green this Summer

2009-07-07T10:27:00.003-04:00

Having a tough time navigating the new "go green" landscape. Don't be discouraged. This is a growing field with new resources available every day. Here's the latest from the cable channel devoted to promoting a green lifestyle: Green American Summer

The site includes food and beverage tips, Patriotism 2.0, and a games and quizzes to to test your knowledge of all things green.

The site also includes a video collection from Planet Green's programming lineup. A winner that you should check out now.

Can you complete this Energy Independence quiz?

2009-07-06T12:02:00.002-04:00

Consumer Revolution 6-30 pics 001
Originally uploaded by Repower PA

1. What document is celebrated on Fourth of July every year in America?
a. The U.S. Constitution
b. The Bill of Rights
c. The Declaration of Independence
d. The White Album

2. In what year did the American colonies declare their independence from Great Britain?
a. 1812
b. 1776
c. 1482
d. 1982

3. Which of the following men was NOT an original signer to the Declaration?
a. Benjamin Franklin
b. Thomas Jefferson
c. John Adams
d. Dick Clark

4. Where was the Declaration signed?
a. Philadelphia, PA
b. New York, NY
c. Washington, DC
d. Omaha, Nebraska

5. How many barrels of crude oil does the United States consume every single day?
a. 4 million
b. 10 million
c. 12 million
d. 20 million

6. Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, make up how much of the U.S.’s total annual energy production?
a. 1%
b. 8%
c. 15%
d. 20%

7. How much power is wasted every year in your house by items that are plugged in but not being used, such as cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwaves, and other electronics on standby?
a. 1%
b. 10%
c. 13%
d. 20%

8. Which nation was home to the inventors of the wind turbine, solar cell, and modern hydro-electric power?
a. Japan
b. China
c. Germany
d. United States

9. What nation was the first to pursue and complete an “energy independence strategy?”
a. United States
b. Great Britain
c. China
d. Brazil

10. What nation or region of the world currently leads the world in renewable energy production?
a. China
b. United States
c. Europe
d. Russia

Answer key

Erie declares its Energy Independence

2009-07-03T11:36:00.009-04:00

Repower America was in Erie yesterday at Erie Downtown's block party. See what the Flagship City had to say about Energy Independence!

Energy independence week in Western PA

2009-07-01T14:00:00.007-04:00

Energy independence week is upon us. On Tuesday, Repower America organizers took to the streets of Pittsburgh with an "Energy Independence Quiz" with questions ranging from "On the fourth of July we celebrate the signing of which document?" to "how many barrels of crude oil does the United States consume every day?" Participants were then asked to sign a declaration of energy independence, in which they promise to pay attention to their energy consumption, and try to reduce it.

Energy Independence activities will continue for the next week or so, at events and public places in Pittsburgh, Erie and Midland. A number of activists are also hosting their own Green Picnics and Green Barbeques, with an eye to sustainability in these recreational activities, as well as talking at these gatherings about what we can do to reduce our energy consumption and overcome the Climate Crisis.

Answers to the Quiz

2009-07-01T11:03:00.000-04:00

1. What document is celebrated on Fourth of July every year in America?

a. The U.S. Constitution

b. The Bill of Rights

c. The Declaration of Independence

d. The White Album

2. In what year did the American colonies declare their independence from Great Britain?

a. 1812

b. 1776

c. 1482

d. 1982

3. Which of the following men was NOT an original signer to the Declaration?

a. Benjamin Franklin

b. Thomas Jefferson

c. John Adams

d. Dick Clark

4. Where was the Declaration signed?

a. Philadelphia, PA

b. New York, NY

c. Washington, DC

d. Omaha, Nebraska

5. How many barrels of crude oil does the United States consume every single day?[1]

a. 4 million

b. 10 million

c. 12 million

d. 20 million

6. Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, make up how much of the U.S.’s total annual energy production?[2]

a. 1%

b. 8%

c. 15%

d. 20%

7. How much power is wasted every year in your house by items that are plugged in but not being used, such as cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwaves, and other electronics on standby?[3]

a. 1%

b. 10%

c. 13%

d. 20%

8. Which nation was home to the inventors of the wind turbine, solar cell, and modern hydro-electric power?

a. Japan

b. China

c. Germany

d. United States

9. What nation was the first to pursue and complete an “energy independence strategy?”

a. United States

b. Great Britain

c. China

d. Brazil

10. What nation or region of the world currently leads the world in renewable energy production?[4]

a. China

b. United States

c. Europe

d. Russia

We did it! 60,000 in time for Energy Independence Day

2009-06-29T16:48:00.004-04:00

As July 4 nears - and as our nation nears its second independence, this time on energy - we have passed an important threshhold in Pennsylvania. This afternoon, we passed 60,000 committed allies in our state to fight to secure a new green energy economy for America.

This milestone is the direct work of a talented team of grassroots organizers on the ground! 60,000 is a tremendous first step.

Now, can you take me to 76,000? I dare you...

They said it couldn't be done

2009-06-29T10:46:00.002-04:00

On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives took a historic move towards moving the American energy economy toward clean, renewable power. The House voted late Friday 219-212 for passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act.

Although some Senators (Sen. James Inhofe R-OK) are claiming the bill is DOA (Dead on Arrival) in the U.S. Senate, I wouldn't be so sure. We're one major crisis away from $4.00 a gallon gasoline at a time when the American people are demanding clear and positive change from the old ways of doing things.

Stay tuned to where this issue goes in the U.S. Congress by joining Repower America today.

A House Vote Nears, Activists Make "Last Call"

2009-06-25T09:04:00.004-04:00

The Clean Energy Jobs plan, HR 2454, is on the verge of coming to the floor for final passage. We need your help to make sure it gets through the House of Representatives. Come join us Friday from 4 - 7pm for a BYOC (Bring your own cell) Phone Bank at Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA, under the tent as we call Repower members in targeted districts, asking them to put the heat on their Representatives. Lemonade, fresh produce, and quarters for meters will be provided to volunteers.

Opponents of the bill - devoid of any new ideas - have resorted to making up their own facts and statistics about the bill's impacts. Here's the truth: Clean energy isn't a tax on consumers; it's a boom to our economy by finally unlocking the potential of the green energy sector. Most consumers who don't take a single step to use energy more wisely will see their price of energy increase by about the cost of a postage stamp a day. But consumers who are wise and work to conserve energy and use it more efficiently will actually see reductions in their energy bills because this bill makes efficiency and conservation more achievable for average consumers.

This is the first-ever vote by the U.S. Congress to cap carbon dioxide emissions. The bill also invests in green jobs and clean energy by setting a national renewable energy porfolio standard and sets goals for the development of a Smart Electricty Grid - one that reduces waste and excess.

"The whole world is looking at our capital. The whole world is waiting to see whether or not president Obama can arrive in Coppenhagen as leader of the attempt to reduce green house gases while at the same time unleashing a clean energy job revolution in our country and on our planet," said Congressman Ed Markey at a press conference Wednesday.

And Tuesday, President Obama called on the Congress to pass The American Clean Energy and Security Act. This is the historic change we can believe in. This is the change we need to make now if we are are avert global climate catastrophe. This is your moment. Will you join us to make history?

Al Gore says our best response to the attacks of the far right is "reality"

2009-06-23T20:32:00.003-04:00

Former Vice President Al Gore addressed thousands of people across America tonight on a nationwide calling, calling each of us to action in the most critical week of the fight to secure energy independence and meaningful climate legislation thus far. I'm paraphrasing, but this is some of what Mr. Gore had to say tonight:

We need each of you to call your member of Congress. Let them know how important it is for the U.S. to finally act to curb the polluting emissions associated with global climate change. You won't believe how easy it is to call your member of Congress and tell them to vote YES on final passage of the American Clean Energy and Security Act

Friday the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take up HR 2454 for final passage. It will take 218 votes to pass the landmark legislation, and the final score is not nearly as important as getting it done and sent to the U.S. Senate where a broad coalition will work to pass this bill for the President's signature before the world meets in Copenhagen.

Congressman Doyle (D-Pittsburgh) Supports Energy Independence for America

2009-06-23T09:59:00.001-04:00

Repower America Doyle Press Conference 6-22 002
Originally uploaded by Repower PA

At a press conference on Monday, Rep. Mike Doyle (D) PA-14, indicated he will support the American Climate and Energy Security Act when it comes up for a vote on Friday.

Mr. Doyle said "In short, this bill has been carefully drafted to reduce global warming while protecting consumers and creating jobs in the USA, not killing them."

The legislation is supported by the Repower America Campaign and the United States Climate Action Partnership, which includes Alcoa, BP America, Caterpillar, Dow, Duke Energy, DuPont, Elelon, Ford, GE, GM, Johnson & Johnson, NRG Energy, Shell, PG&E and Siemens.

Former Vice President Al Gore will host a national conference call tonight at 8:00 PM EDT to talk about the historic moment the nation faces in possibly enacting energy independence and global climate change legislation in the U.S. this year.

Vice President Gore wants to speak to you Tuesday Night

2009-06-22T22:57:00.002-04:00

We've never been closer to breaking the political gridlock in Washington. Find out the latest on historic climate and energy legislation that's moving through Congress, and how you can help.

Reserve your spot now to listen to a special briefing by Al Gore on Tuesday, June 23, at 8 p.m. (EDT). On Tuesday, we'll call and connect you to the briefing at the number you provide on this sign up page at Repower America.

Can we reach 60,000 by Father's Day?

2009-06-19T15:22:00.004-04:00

The time has come for the meaningful first steps to cap carbon dioxide emissions, invest in a smart gid, and make all new buildings emissions neutral in America. Those are some of the aims of HB 2454.

Repower America is nearing 60,000 members in Pennsylvania alone. Will you help to put us over the mark? All you need to do is go to the PA specific Repower America site and sign up to be part of this grassroots movement to create a green economy in America.

What are you waiting for? Sign up for Repower America right now.

Powered Up in PA

2009-06-19T13:00:00.003-04:00

With the addition of a State Director, the Repower America Campaign is officially up and running in Pennsylvania. With a full compliment of high energy and dedicated staff (and many more to come), the activity level around energy awareness and energy independence is going to take off like a biofuel powered funy car.

This is the first of many posts about the journey Pennsylvanians will make to better understand their role in the energy-climate future of our planet. We're looking forward to you joining the ranks of the Repower America Campaign here in PA.

What is the goal of my staff in Pennsylvania?

Host educational events in local communities to raise awarness about the need to act this year on energy and climate legislation.
Provide workshops and training for families, businesses, and communities about how to be more energy aware and energy efficient.
Reach, train, and mobilize a grassroots movement to demand action that will spur the U.S. economy, create thousands of jobs, and ensure we're meeting out responsibilities as stewards of the Earth. Our children do not deserve a future where the polar bear only exists in museums and legends.
Highlight the growing support for concrete action on carbon dioxide pollution limits in America before the world meets in Copenhagen in December.