Rep. Comitta’s goal: 100 percent clean energy by 2050

State Rep. Carolyn Comitta today hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on Green PA: Working Toward a Sustainable Future in West Goshen Township building’s public meeting room.

Comitta requested the hearing to discuss how Pennsylvania can better harness renewable energy and achieve 100 percent clean energy by 2050. Testifiers and lawmakers looked at different types of renewable energy, their long-term benefits, best practices, and solutions to harnessing the power of these sustainable resources. Comitta was joined by legislators from across the commonwealth, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.

“I want to thank all of today’s testifiers for their dedication to preserving the future of our commonwealth and our planet. The world is changing rapidly. In 2019, climate change has become an existential issue. We must find solutions and make choices that lead to our common goal of zero carbon emissions by 2050 – or face a planet that is unsustainable and largely unlivable. We must work together to forge a Green PA and a sustainable future that stops climate change and leaves PA and our planet sustainable, healthy, and green for our children and grandchildren.

Sturla added: “Investing in sustainable energy is an investment into a promising future. It will preserve the health and prosperity of all Pennsylvanians and our commonwealth’s ecosystems as well as create countless jobs and boost our economy.”

The committee heard testimonies from Kerry Campbell, Environmental Program Manager in Energy Programs Office, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Tom Ford, Director of Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Rob Altenburg, Director, PennFuture Energy Center; Jim Wylie, Conservation CO-Chair of Southeastern PA Group, Sierra Club PA Chapter; Skelly Holmbeck, Board Member, Chester County Solid Waste Authority; Nancy Fromnick, Chester County Recycling Coordinator, Chester County Solid Waste Authority; and Bruce Burcat, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Coalition

The hearing was one in a series held across the state on House Democrats’ Plan4PA, focused on putting people first by growing good jobs, providing health care access, creating quality schools and providing training for jobs in a fair economy. More information about the plan is available at www.plan4pa.com.