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	<title>Select PA DEP News</title>
	<link>http://www.controlaltenergy.com/bmachine/PA_DEP_News.php</link>
	<description>Energy Related News Releases from PA department of energy</description>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[MEADVILLE BUSINESS EARNS ENERGY STAR AWARD ]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[N E W S R E L E A S E COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA


COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Northwest Regional Office
230 Chestnut St.
Meadville, PA 16335

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/20/2006

CONTACT:
Freda Tarbell
Phone: (814) 332-6816
 
   
MEADVILLE BUSINESS EARNS ENERGY STAR AWARD  
Crawford County Supermarket Cuts Energy Usage, Increases Efficiency 
 
 
MEADVILLE -- An independent family-owned grocery store in downtown Meadville, Crawford County, that scored near the top in a federal energy audit today received an ENERGY STAR® award for reducing energy use and improving efficiency.
Environmental Protection Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch today awarded an ENERGY STAR® program plaque to Valesky’s Market and presented a letter of commendation from Governor Edward G. Rendell to the proprietors, brothers Garth and Bob Valesky, who have owned the store since 1979.

“The Valeskys have been ahead of the curve, making energy-wise choices based on their research into what would work for their business,” Burch said during the award presentation. “They have made a habit of factoring in long-term operational costs in their decision-making process, not just focusing on installation costs. 

“DEP used a federal benchmarking program to conduct an energy survey at Valesky’s Market and found that the business is a top performer on a national scale,” Burch added.

Each time the Valesky brothers have upgraded and expanded the business, they have taken new steps to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.

Garth Valesky says it is difficult to estimate the store’s total energy savings because the business has continuously expanded. However, he says the cost to heat the 28,000-square-foot market is approximately the same as it would be to heat an average-sized home.

“As independent business owners, we always have been very motivated to reduce our costs – and originally, that was the driving for ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.controlaltenergy.com/bmachine/PA_DEP_News.php?id=28</link>
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      <title><![CDATA[GOVERNOR RENDELL INAUGURATES GAMESA]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[N E W S R E L E A S E COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA


COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/12/2006

CONTACT:
Kurt Knaus
Phone: (717) 787-1323
 
   
GOVERNOR RENDELL INAUGURATES GAMESA’S CAMBRIA COUNTY MANUFACTURING FACILITY 
 
 
 
EBENSBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell today cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of Gamesa Corp.’s manufacturing facility for wind turbine generator blades – its first in North America – at the South Park Industrial Complex in Cambria County. More than 230 people will work at the new plant.

The Spanish wind-energy company is investing $84 million to locate its U.S. headquarters and four manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania. Aside from the Ebensburg plant, three new advanced technology plants are planned for Bucks County, where as many as 300 workers will produce wind mill blades and towers and assemble nacelles, which house the wind turbines.


“Alternative energy development is helping to power Pennsylvania’s economy,” Governor Rendell said. “We are attracting private investments and creating manufacturing jobs that will keep our commonwealth growing, improve our environment and enhance our already strong national leadership in building a clean energy future.”


Wind energy is a key part of Governor Rendell’s strategy to build a diversified energy base that ensures greater security for Pennsylvania, creates jobs and improves the environment.


Pennsylvania remains a leader in wind production east of the Mississippi, with 153 megawatts that provide enough clean energy to power 70,000 homes. The growth potential is significant. There are more than 5,000 megawatts of untapped wind power in the state, with the potential to generate 45 billion kilowatt-hours annually, or enough to power more than 5 million homes.


Gamesa President Alfonso Basago ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.controlaltenergy.com/bmachine/PA_DEP_News.php?id=27</link>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[LANDFILL-GAS-TO-ENERGY PROJECT IN LANCASTER COUNTY ]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[N E W S R E L E A S E COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA


COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Southcentral Regional Office
909 Elmerton Ave.
Harrisburg, PA 17120

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/11/2006

CONTACT:
Sandra Roderick
Phone: (717) 705-4931
 
   
DEP JOINS DEDICATION OF LANDFILL-GAS-TO-ENERGY PROJECT IN LANCASTER COUNTY 
 
 
 
HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania continues to build on its national leadership of using landfill gas to power the economy and provide businesses with the clean, cheap energy supply they need to compete and succeed.
Environmental Protection officials today joined Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority and Turkey Hill Dairy to dedicate a new landfill-gas-to-energy project at the authority’s Frey Farm and Creswell Landfills. The venture was funded in part by a $650,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Energy Deployment Authority.

“Landfill gas emitted from decomposing garbage is a reliable and renewable fuel option that remains largely untapped at landfills across the state,” said Daniel Desmond, deputy secretary of DEP’s Office of Energy Technology Deployment. “We have a unique opportunity to power our economy by putting to use resources that otherwise are wasted and threaten our environment. This provides businesses and residents with clean, reliable, affordable energy.”

This project captures landfill methane and converts it to electricity and steam that will be sent to the boiler system at Turkey Hill Dairy. Two Caterpillar engines fueled by landfill gas will produce 3,200 kilowatts -- enough to power about 4,000 homes. The electricity will be exported into the utility grid for use.

Two boilers on the engine enclosures will make steam that will go to the boiler system at Turkey Hill Dairy. Enough steam will be provided to offset about 85 percent, or more than 225,000 gallons of diesel fuel, used annually in Turkey Hill’s boilers. Turkey Hill uses the steam to clean its equ ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.controlaltenergy.com/bmachine/PA_DEP_News.php?id=26</link>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[‘PENNSECURITY FUELS INITIATIVE’ TO LESSEN DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[N E W S R E L E A S E COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA


COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/10/2006

CONTACT:
Kurt Knaus
Phone: (717) 787-1323
 
   
GOVERNOR RENDELL UNVEILS ‘PENNSECURITY FUELS INITIATIVE’ TO LESSEN DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN OIL, GROW STATE’S CLEAN ENERGY MARKET 
Northeast’s First Publicly Available E85 Ethanol Fueling Station Opens for Business in PA 
 
 
LITITZ, Lancaster County -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today launched a bold new initiative to reduce the nation’s dependence on foreign oil by injecting 900 million gallons of domestically-produced fuel into the state’s gasoline and diesel supplies over the next decade, furthering the commonwealth’s solid leadership in deploying homegrown energy solutions.

“Pennsylvania is powering a revolution in the way America produces fuel and thinks about energy,” Governor Rendell said. “We are using homegrown biofuels and ethanol, and Pennsylvania’s vast coal reserves to become more energy independent. By focusing public and private investments in new technologies that create jobs and clean the environment, we can provide our consumers and businesses with the reliable sources of affordable energy they need to compete and succeed.


The Governor unveiled his “PennSecurity Fuels Initiative” while inaugurating the first publicly-available E85 ethanol blend fueling station in Pennsylvania. Worley &amp; Obetz’s WoGo service station in Lititz, Lancaster County, is the first publicly available refueling station in the Northeast to dispense fuel that is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.


Governor Rendell’s plan spurs clean domestic fuel development, diversifying supplies to enhance security and stabilize costs. Motorists across Pennsylvania and much of the country continue to pay record-high fuel prices. The initiative will p ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.controlaltenergy.com/bmachine/PA_DEP_News.php?id=25</link>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[$10 MILLION FOR CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENTS]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[N E W S R E L E A S E COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA


COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/8/2006

CONTACT:
Charlie Young
Phone: (717) 787-1323
 
   
GOVERNOR RENDELL ANNOUNCES $10 MILLION FOR CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENTS 
$5 Million Available in Fourth Round of Energy Harvest; Third PEDA Round Offers  
 
 
HARRISBURG -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced Pennsylvania will create jobs in the rapidly growing alternative energy industry and provide affordable, reliable energy for commonwealth businesses and residents by investing $10 million in new clean energy projects.

“Pennsylvania is changing the way clean energy is produced and distributed,” Governor Rendell said. “This $10 million investment will continue the commonwealth’s leadership in one of the most important issues of our time: energy security.


“These grants will leverage private investments to deploy the next generation of clean, renewable energy sources made in Pennsylvania. We are putting Pennsylvania at the front of the line in one of the most dynamic industry sectors in the world and creating jobs that lift up commonwealth families and help our businesses grow.”


Governor Rendell made $5 million in grants available for the third round of Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority funding. Brought back to life by the Governor after years of inactivity, PEDA has awarded $15 million in grants and loans for 41 clean energy projects that will leverage another $200 million in private investment. The projects will create 1,558 permanent and construction jobs. Research projects, if successful, could net as many as 327 full-time jobs.


The Governor also announced $5 million in available grants for the fourth round of funding under the Pennsylvania Energy Harvest Grant Program. The program has awarded $15.9 million and leveraged ano ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.controlaltenergy.com/bmachine/PA_DEP_News.php?id=24</link>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[INVESTMENTS IN PA ENERGY PROJECTS TOPPED $120 MILLION IN 2005]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[N E W S R E L E A S E COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA


COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/3/2006

CONTACT:
Charlie Young
Phone: (717) 787-1323
 
   
INVESTMENTS IN PA ENERGY PROJECTS TOPPED $120 MILLION IN 2005, GOVERNOR RENDELL SAYS 
 
 
 
HARRISBURG -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today said commonwealth and federal agencies invested $120 million in Pennsylvania energy-related projects in 2005.

“We are working together to turn the challenges of rising oil prices and unstable foreign suppliers into opportunities that create jobs in Pennsylvania and protect our environment,” Governor Rendell said. “Through continuing strategic investments, we are making Pennsylvania a leader in energy development to significantly reduce our reliance on imported oil.”


Pennsylvania issued 269 alternative energy and energy efficiency awards in 2005 through the Small Business Advantage Grant Program, Pennsylvania Energy Harvest Grant Program, Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (which issues grants and loans), Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant Program, and state energy programs. The amount awarded to Pennsylvania-based companies, organizations and individuals totaled nearly $21 million.


Federal agencies issued a total of 151 awards worth $99 million to Pennsylvania-based companies and organizations.


“The partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and the states is critical to our national energy goals,” said James Powell, DOE’s manager of weatherization and intergovernmental affairs. “Pennsylvania’s commitment to energy efficiency and alternative energy policies and projects is exemplary. I commend the state of Pennsylvania’s leadership.”


The 2005 investment totals were compiled by the Department of Environmental Protections’s Office of Energy and Technology Deployment. OETD trac ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.controlaltenergy.com/bmachine/PA_DEP_News.php?id=23</link>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[$1 BILLION CLEAN-COAL, ZERO-EMISSION POWER PLANT ]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[N E W S R E L E A S E COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA


COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/2/2006

CONTACT:
Kurt Knaus
Phone: (717) 787-1323
 
   
GOVERNOR RENDELL PARTNERS WITH KENTUCKY, OHIO TO ATTRACT $1 BILLION CLEAN-COAL, ZERO-EMISSION POWER PLANT 
Partnership Latest in Series of Actions by Governor Rendell to Accelerate Alternative Fuel Development, Increase Domestic Fuel Supply 
 
 
HARRISBURG -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced Pennsylvania is partnering with Kentucky and Ohio to bring to the region the world’s first coal-fueled, near-zero-emissions power plant -- a $1 billion project proposed by the FutureGen Industrial Alliance and the U.S. Department of Energy.

“This project promises to help decrease our dangerous dependence on foreign fuel, diversify our energy base to make us more secure at home and generate investments in new technologies that create jobs and clean the environment,” Governor Rendell said. “The partnership also showcases why America’s energy past is grounded here, and why the country’s energy future starts here, too.


“If we want to achieve greater energy independence, then we need to change the way America produces fuel and thinks about energy. Oil companies continue to bring in huge profits at the expense of the average American family and business.”


Governor Rendell, Ohio Governor Bob Taft and Kentucky Governor Ernie Fletcher have entered into a formal agreement to support the region’s efforts to secure the proposed FutureGen power plant. The 275-megawatt facility will create more than 100 full-time research and facility jobs, an additional 1,000 construction jobs and increased university research activities.


The three governors also have agreed to create an Ohio River Valley Coal Research Consortium of the states’ major universities and  ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.controlaltenergy.com/bmachine/PA_DEP_News.php?id=22</link>
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      <title><![CDATA[DEP OFFERS WORKSHOP IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY TO HELP BUSINESS OWNERS CUT ENERGY ]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[N E W S R E L E A S E COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA


COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/2/2006

CONTACT:
Charlie Young
Phone: (717) 787-1323
 
   
DEP OFFERS WORKSHOP IN ALLEGHENY COUNTY TO HELP BUSINESS OWNERS CUT ENERGY COSTS 
 
 
 
HARRISBURG -- The Department of Environmental Protection will provide a half-day workshop in Allegheny County to help owners of small and medium-sized businesses reduce energy costs and increase profits.
The meeting will be held at 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 9 at DEP’s Southwest Regional Office, 400 Waterfront Dr., Pittsburgh, Allegheny County.

“Small and medium-sized businesses have little room in their budgets for increased expenses,” DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. “With recent record-high oil and natural gas prices, we want to make sure Pennsylvania businesses take advantage of every opportunity to conserve energy, save money and remain competitive.”

DEP’s Office of the Small Business Ombudsman is partnering with the Electrotechnology Application Center at Northampton Community College’s Center for Business and Industry to provide the energy management workshop.

The workshop will offer business owners information on energy supply options, illustrate how to identify energy cost-saving opportunities and explain how to initiate an energy management program. Particular emphasis will be given to easily implemented, cost-effective changes for small commercial and industrial facilities.

Registration for the workshop is free, and the session is open to the general public. Local government officials also are encouraged to attend.

Similar workshops are being held statewide this spring.

“These workshops will demonstrate to small business owners how to implement measures that can reduce energy usage at their business, save on energy costs, im ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.controlaltenergy.com/bmachine/PA_DEP_News.php?id=20</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[FEDERAL MERCURY RULE WILL EXPORT JOBS, ENERGY DOLLARS FROM PENNSYLVANIA ]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[N E W S R E L E A S E COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA


COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/17/2006

CONTACT:
Kurt Knaus
Phone: (717) 787-1323
 
   
FEDERAL MERCURY RULE WILL EXPORT JOBS, ENERGY DOLLARS FROM PENNSYLVANIA 
 
 
 
HARRISBURG -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Air Mercury Rule will cost Pennsylvania jobs and export energy investments to other states, Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said today.
“EPA’s rule encourages utilities to invest in improvements to facilities in other states instead of upgrading power plants in Pennsylvania,” McGinty said. “Not only does the federal rule send energy dollars and construction jobs out of state, but it also makes our commonwealth less competitive by discouraging enhancements to our own energy infrastructure.

“We need to change course to keep our economy strong.”

Because of banking and trading provisions in the federal mercury rule, utilities can buy their way out of cleaning up mercury pollution at Pennsylvania power plants. Utilities do not have to make emission reductions. Instead, they can purchase these reductions from upgraded facilities in other states as opposed to investing to clean up plants in Pennsylvania. There are no guarantees that Pennsylvania will see any significant reduction in mercury emissions.

This cost would be borne by Pennsylvania utilities and ultimately commonwealth residents, who would pay to upgrade competitor’s plants and clean up other state’s environments.

Historically with trading programs, Pennsylvania utilities have purchased their reductions instead of investing to improve their plants. The result is a “paper” reduction rather than any “actual” drop in emissions from Pennsylvania plants. For example, total current sulfur dioxide allowances to address acid r ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.controlaltenergy.com/bmachine/PA_DEP_News.php?id=19</link>
    </item>
    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[DEP HELPS BUSINESS OWNERS CUT ENERGY COSTS ]]></title>
      <description><![CDATA[N E W S R E L E A S E COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA


COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Dept. of Environmental Protection
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4/12/2006

CONTACT:
Charlie Young
Phone: (717) 787-1323
 
   
DEP OFFERS WORKSHOP IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY TO HELP BUSINESS OWNERS CUT ENERGY COSTS 
 
 
 
HARRISBURG -- The Department of Environmental Protection will provide half-day workshop in Montgomery County to help owners of small and medium-sized businesses reduce energy costs and increase profits.
The meeting will be held at 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 at DEP’s Southeast Regional Office, 2 E. Main St., Norristown, Montgomery County.

“Small and medium-sized businesses have little room in their budgets for increased expenses,” DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. “With recent record-high oil and natural gas prices, we want to make sure Pennsylvania businesses take advantage of every opportunity to conserve energy, save money and remain competitive.”

DEP’s Office of the Small Business Ombudsman is partnering with the Electrotechnology Application Center at Northampton Community College’s Center for Business and Industry to provide the energy management workshop.

The workshop will offer business owners information on energy supply options, illustrate how to identify energy cost-saving opportunities and explain how to initiate an energy management program. Particular emphasis will be given to easily implemented, cost-effective changes for small commercial and industrial facilities.

Registration for the workshop is free, and the session is open to the general public. Local government officials also are encouraged to attend.

Similar workshops are being held statewide this spring.

“These workshops will demonstrate to small business owners how to implement measures that can reduce energy usage at their business, save on energy costs, im ..]]></description>
      <link>http://www.controlaltenergy.com/bmachine/PA_DEP_News.php?id=18</link>
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