Ed Rendell on Energy & Oil Democratic PA Governor

18% of retail electricity from clean and renewable resources

Focus on win-win efforts: stem global warming & create jobs

Renewable energy like Manhattan Project and Apollo launch

"Throughout American history, our biggest challenges have been met by just that type of federal leadership. President Roosevelt took charge and provided the resources to create the Manhattan Project and the National Institutes of Health. President Kennedy did the same to take us to the Moon. The atom bomb, the virtual eradication of polio, the Apollo launch--these challenges were surmounted because our federal government united the great minds, found the funds, and put in place the policies necessary to ensure success."

Extend tax incentives for energy efficiency and energy R&D

On behalf of the nation’s governors, we urge Congress to extend expiring tax provisions for renewable energy efficiency, research and development. Continued and consistent support for renewable energy and efficiency through tax incentives is critical to the development and deployment of alternative energy technologies and energy efficiency.

To stimulate innovation, we encourage Congress to exten the research and development tax credit that expired last year. Providing business with an incentive to invest in research is critical for driving innovation and generating high wage job opportunities that will propel the U.S. economy throughout the 21st century.

Securing our energy future and promoting innovation are priorities at both the state and federal level. We strongly urge you to partner with governors by passing legislation on a bipartisan basis to extend these tax provisions this year.

Promote alternative fuels & also traditional domestic fuels

Indicate which principles you support regarding the environment and energy.
• Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
• Support increased production of traditional domestic energy sources (e.g. coal, natural gas, and oil).
• Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites.
• Increase funding for improvements to Pennsylvania’s power generating and transmission facilities.
• Enact environmental regulations even if they are stricter than federal law.

Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025.

A resolution that it is the goal of the United States that, not later than January 1, 2025, the agricultural, forestry, and working land of the US should provide from renewable resources not less than 25% of the total energy consumed and continue to produce safe, abundant, and affordable food, feed, and fiber. [Governors also signed letters of endorsement at www.25x25.org]

Rep. SALAZAR: "Our resolution establishes a national goal of producing 25% of America's energy from renewable sources--like solar, wind and biofuels--by 2025. The "25x'25" vision is widely endorsed, bold, and fully attainable. If implemented, it would dramatically improve our energy security, our economy, and our ability to protect the environment.

"I am pleased that more than 20 of my colleagues in the Senate, from both sides of the aisle, are cosponsoring this resolution. In addition, the "25x'25" vision has been endorsed by 22 current and former governors and several State legislatures across the country. The Big Three automobile manufacturers--Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors--are all behind "25x'25" So are many agricultural organizations, environmental groups, scientists, and businesses, ranging from the Natural Resources Defense Council to John Deere.

"These Americans understand that we cannot continue to import 60% of our oil from foreign countries, many of which are hostile to the US, if we aim to be strong and secure in the world. They know that we will have to build a clean energy economy if we are to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. It is time for Congress to take a more active role in our clean energy future. Establishing a national goal--"25x'25" is the first step."