"Governor Rendell: Investing in clean energy projects creates jobs, strengthens the economy, cleans the environment"

Governor Rendell: Investing in clean energy projects creates jobs,

strengthens the economy, cleans the environmentGovernor Edward G. Rendell today announced $20.7 million of investments in

25 projects to generate and conserve enough energy to power more than

26,000 homes, reducing carbon emissions equivalent to removing more than

17,000 cars from our roadways.The projects will produce or save 2.2 billion kilowatt hours of electricity

over their lifetimes, or 110 million kilowatt hours per year. These

projects will create 430 permanent green jobs, 1,068 construction jobs and

help to retain 4,110 manufacturing jobs by stabilizing energy costs with

on-site renewable energy systems.Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) awarded $20.7 million in

grants, including $10 million from the federal American Recovery and

Reinvestment Act. The public funding leverages another $120 million in

private matching funds for a total investment of $140.7 million."Past investments have positioned Pennsylvania as a leader in the clean

energy industry. The awarding of these grants will help continue that

trend," Governor Rendell said. "When I first revived PEDA in 2005, the goal

was to provide the funding and the incentives necessary to move these types

of projects forward. Now five years later, the projects we are funding will

make significant impacts in the renewable energy market and the daily lives

of Pennsylvanians. For example, the three biomass manufacturing projects

approved today are expected to supply enough solid fuel to heat

approximately 16,500 Pennsylvania homes annually."In addition, the projects include 9.3 megawatts of solar projects,

geothermal, wind, carbon capture for coal, biodigesters for farms, combined

heat and power and efficient lighting systems.The 12 projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will:Generate or save more than 1.1 billion kilowatt hours over their lifetimes

or 52 million kilowatt hours each year for the next 25 years, enough to

power more than 5,000 homes;Create 185 permanent jobs;Create 381

temporary/construction jobs;Retain 3,776 jobs; andReduce carbon dioxide

emissions by nearly 100 million pounds, an amount generated by 8,561

passenger cars.In addition, state funding from the Growing Greener II initiative will

support 12 projects that will:Generate or save more than 1.1 billion kilowatt hours over their lifetime

or 53 million kilowatt hours per year, enough to power more than 5,100

homes;Create 245 permanent jobs;Create 612 temporary/construction

jobs;Retain 334 jobs, andReduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 100

million pounds, an amount generated by 8,720 passenger cars.An additional $800,000 is being used to fund a project in Duquesne Light

Company's electric service territory and immediately adjacent areas. This

project will receive funds allocated to the Department of Environmental

Protection through the settlement of a Duquesne Light electric rate case.

These funds will help ratepayers located within the Duquesne Light

territory cope with high energy costs and ensure they have a secure energy

supply that is needed for critical operations."We received a record 389 PEDA applications this year, seeking more than

$400 million," said Governor Rendell. "There is greater competition for a

limited amount of funding for projects that will generate new, clean

renewable sources of energy. Businesses and organizations know that by

undertaking these types of projects, they are making sound investments in

their own futures and the future of Pennsylvania."Since its revival in 2005, PEDA has supplied $68.5 million in funding to

143 projects, which has generated more than $1 billion in matching funds.

PEDA is just one example of funding available for energy related projects.

Governor Rendell also pointed to programs like PA Sunshine Solar, Small

Business Energy Efficiency, PA Conservation Works, PA Green Energy Works,

Act 1 Solar Energy, A