Urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Governor Edward G. Rendell to set higher energy standards for common products sold in Pennsylvania.

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania's electricity use is growing almost eight times as fast as our population, meaning that through wasted energy we are demanding more than we need from coal-fired plants and hazardous nuclear plants; and

WHEREAS, Coal-fired power plants in Pennsylvania are significant sources of air pollution, emitting smog-forming nitrogen oxides, soot- and acid rain-forming sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide that contributes to climate change, and toxic metals such as mercury; and

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania emits approximately one percent of the planet's greenhouse gases; and

WHEREAS, Uncertain financial times and a state budget deficit are prompting consumers, businesses and state decision-makers to search for ways to save money; and

WHEREAS, Energy efficiency is the cleanest, quickest and cheapest way to use energy and cut down on waste, saving money and the environment in the process; and

WHEREAS, The technology already exists to improve the efficiency of many commonly used products in Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, State and local efforts can make a profound difference in reducing energy usage and emissions; and

WHEREAS, There is a bi-partisan effort underway amongst state lawmakers to legislate higher standards for the Commonwealth; now therefore

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby urge the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Governor Rendell to set higher energy standards for common products sold in Pennsylvania; and

FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to all members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, as well as Governor Edward G. Rendell.

End