The Truth About House Bill 80

To: Local PA Chamber of Commerce Leaders & Membership

From: Perkiomen Valley Chamber Member Kira Costanza, Director of External Relations, SunPower Builders

Pennsylvania needs a resounding YES VOTE ON HOUSE BILL 80.

As a long time Perkiomen Valley Chamber member, I am disappointed to hear that the PA Chamber's continues lobbying our local chamber to oppose pro-business legislation like House Bill 80. In particular, I would like to respond to Jim Willshier’s note of January 11.

HB80 advances our state’s position to become a solar energy leader and powerhouse. The Chamber's position fails to note the lost opportunity costs of NOT passing HB80, particularly in regard to job creation and economic development - both significantly effecting PA’s small business community and thereby the growth and success of my family's solar business. According to a report released TODAY by Black & Veatch, “the growing advanced energy industry is projected to add over $25 billion to the commonwealth's economy.”

HB80 also creates many benefits to consumers not noted by the PA Chamber, including a net decrease in energy costs. Black & Veatch noted that an increased supply of electricity generated by alternative energy sources like wind and solar power that use no fuel, will place downward pressure on overall electricity prices and result in savings for consumers. This study therefore refutes one of the Chamber’s largest oppositions to HB80: an exaggerated projection of rate increases on small businesses. The solar industry’s detailed analysis of ratepayer impact mirrors the Black & Veatch study, putting the initial rate increase on small businesses to be only around 1% and actually declines in the out years of the requirement.

A yes vote on HB80 is a vote for a diverse portfolio of energy sources, ensuring long-term electricity reliability and availability, as well as reducie costs by cutting peak demand. HB80 will also expand support for traditional PA energy industries, with investments in innovative technologies such as carbon sequestration, ensuring that the PA coal industry will remain at the forefront of national and international energy development.

A yes vote on HB80 is also a vote for jobs, jobs, jobs. The solar industry is largely comprised of small, local companies creating sustainable, green jobs throughout the commonwealth. In 2000 there were approximately 25 solar installation companies in PA, today, as a result of the PA Energy Independence Strategy; there are over 300 solar companies in the state employing thousands of Pennsylvanians. Solar jobs are high paying, multi-skilled positions for all 67 Pennsylvania counties and they can't be exported.

While unemployment continues to hover around 10%, PA cannot afford to turn its back on the 125,000 new job-years of construction and ongoing operation jobs between now and 2026 that will be created with the passage of HB80 (a job-year is defined as 2080 hours of employment over a single year.

Federal climate change legislation is now stalled in Washington. PA must take a lead and a proactive, innovative approach to alternative energy, so as not to fall behind surrounding states (with much more aggressive RPS schedules than PA!) in industry development, technology and supply.

Please urge your members and legislators to support responsible energy choices, to create jobs and benefit consumers, and serve as a hedge against higher electricity prices. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions – I can be reached via email at kira@sunpowerbuilders.com or at 610.489.1105.

The Black & Veatch study is available on the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies Web site at: www.cfalleghenies.org, or on the Black & Veatch Web site (select "News & Publications" then "Reports & Studies") at www.bv.com.