House Ok's George's Bill Creating PA Energy Office

HARRISBURG - The state House of Representatives unanimously approved legislation from Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 Houtzdale, establishing a state energy office within the state Department of Environmental Protection.

“Pennsylvania can’t afford a scatter-shot approach to energy concerns,” said George, majority chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “A unified state energy office will enable us to focus on energy policy and problems and also highlight our strengths.”

George’s Special Session House Bill 36 would create a state energy office within the state Department of Environmental Protection. The DEP secretary would appoint an executive director while the governor would appoint an advisory council representing business and transportation interests and the public.

The Pennsylvania Energy Office would:

â—� Promote development of the state’s natural and renewable energy resources.
â—� Develop the efficient use of energy.
â—� Serve as the lead agency on energy policy development and implementation and heating assistance.
â—� Monitor energy prices and supplies and develop responses to natural and man-made emergencies.
â—� Encourage the development of strategic heating oil and diesel fuel reserves in the mid-Atlantic region to counter price spikes and fuel shortages.

Pennsylvania had an energy office from 1983 until 1995 before it was disbanded under the Ridge administration, which scattered responsibilities among various state offices and agencies.

The House also unanimously approved similar legislation in 2006. However, the legislation died in the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.