HARRISBURG – State Rep. John Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike, has introduced a bill that would encourage the state to test new green energy technologies, reduce energy consumption and create new jobs.
“Pennsylvania lacks a clear process that spells out how the state can test technology that saves energy or promotes renewable energy technology,” said Siptroth, D-Monroe/Pike. “My legislation sets criteria that energy efficiency technologies must meet to be considered for testing, how these technologies may be procured and how they may be used throughout state-owned facilities. It is a road map toward the testing and use of advanced green technologies.”
Under House Bill 2601, the secretary of the Department of General Services could direct a state agency to test its effectiveness of a particular technology or process if it is determined it may promote energy conservation or renewable energy technology.
For a technology to be considered, it must be proven it will not harm safety. Sufficient research and development must have been taken, and the technology would have to have the potential to be used commercially two years after the agency’s testing. The testing would be done at no cost to the state; the technology company would bear the cost.
If the technology were shown to reduce energy use or if it reduced the reliance on fossil fuels or greenhouse gas emissions, its use could be expanded to all state agencies.
“Reducing the time it takes state government to use proven energy technologies will increase the potential cost savings for the Commonwealth and the taxpayers who ultimately pay state utility bills,” Siptroth said. “This legislation will also boost job growth in green technology design, manufacturing and installation.”
Connecticut passed similar legislation last October. Since then, the state has tested several technologies and the procurement process has been trimmed down to a matter of months.
