Kittatinny Group

The recently passed $787 billion stimulus package includes $20 billion in tax incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency over 10 years. Also included is about $50 billion for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

Canada is the largest supplier of oil to the US. About 75% of Canadian oil comes from the Alberta tar sands, using an incredibly energy intensive method of extracting the oil. It causes 3 to 5 times more greenhouse gas emissions than conventional oil production, and requires 3 to 5 barrels of water to get a barrel of oil from tar sands. Two methods are used, either vast strip mines; or even more polluting, steam is pumped underground, superheating the earth to melt the tar enough to get it out. Tar sands mining is the largest cause of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada.

California currently has a low-carbon fuel standard, and 13 northeastern states are examining the possibility of adopting similar standards. A national low carbon standard would eliminate tar sands fuel.

Here in Harrisburg, we oppose HB80 and SB92; bills which propose that Pennsylvania assume all liability for geological carbon storage for an unproven coal technology. Besides being tremendously expensive, these funds would be far more effective if used for proven clean energy solutions; energy efficiency upgrades, and wind or solar power programs.

PA has $25 million of state energy independence grants available to businesses, local governments, and schools. In Berks Co, East Penn Manufacturing will retrofit 40 vehicles with auxiliary idle reduction systems, saving 52,000 gallons of diesel fuel a year. This is through the Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant program.

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Kittatinny Sierra Club PO Box abc Kutztown Pa 19530

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