Pennsylvania became a leader in the renewable energy industry after we passed the landmark Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act in 2004. That policy helped to drive major private investment from both international and homegrown companies who created thousands of family-sustaining jobs, including manufacturing.

We have the opportunity to expand and ramp-up the requirements in the law for more new, clean renewable energy from solar, wind and geothermal. Legislation is pending in both houses of the General Assembly that, if enacted, will bolster our position as a national leader, spur new investment, create even more great green jobs-- and would create the largest reduction in global warming pollution in Pennsylvania's history.

In this video podcast, we revisit some of the reasons why the Pennsylvania legislature must act now to keep our clean tech economy growing. We feature Philadelphia City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown, who covers why green jobs are so essential in our urban centers. The same holds true statewide, as every corner of the Commonwealth stands to gain from the new jobs, more affordable electricity prices, and better environmental quality that come from more renewable energy production.

To learn more, visit our Web site. There you can get involved and contribute to our efforts to bring more clean energy and green jobs to Pennsylvania.

This podcast features a press conference held by State Representative Chelsa Wagner (D-Allegheny) to discuss the Green Workforce Training Act (HB 1550). Rep. Wagner, along with 33 House co-sponsors and local leaders, are pushing for passage of the bill, which would create a program to train workers in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. A companion bill, SB 21, has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Shirley Kitchen (D-Philadelphia).

Passing this legislation would be a great win for both our economy and environment. It would build the green economy and train workers to meet the need to fix our homes and businesses so that we use energy smarter. Every year for at least five years, $5 million would go to training programs, with veterans, unemployed workers, those displaced from old economy industries, low income and formerly incarcerated and rehabilitated people. 

Among those joining Representative Wagner at the press conference were Dewitt Walton, A. Philip Randolph Institute/United Steelworkers, coordinator of Breaking the Chains of Poverty Program and Richard Morris, Bedford Hope Center.

PennFuture works every day to make a difference for Pennsylvania’s environment and economy. Isn’t it time to join us and make a difference yourself? Go to our secure website to join PennFuture, and make sure you sign up for our publications.

And remember, you can make sure you don't miss any podcasts by subscribing to them through iTunes.

This week’s podcast features an interview with PennFuture’s Sharon Pillar and the Rev. Dr. Samuel W. Ware, Executive Director, Building United of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Building United’s mission is helping families throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania fulfill their dreams of affordable homeownership and to teach people sound money management principles. Dr. Ware discusses how BUSP started, and their success in moving low and moderate income families into homes that are also energy efficient. This is a project of the faith community, grounded in faith, started by African American clergy in 2001.

PennFuture works every day to make a difference for Pennsylvania’s environment and economy. Isn’t it time to join us and make a difference yourself? Go to our secure website to join PennFuture, and make sure you sign up for our publications. And remember, you can make sure you don't miss any podcasts by subscribing to them through iTunes.