Solar States Blog

Policy wonks, journalists and concerned citizens alike have expressed concern about the state of Philadelphia at the midpoint of Mayor Michael Nutter’s term. Their sentiments, expressed in this exhaustive Daily News piece from November, culminate to form a collective sigh at both the terrible timing and lack of crisis management that have made up this administration thus far. And while a SEPTA strike and closing libraries and pools have punctuated concerns, Mayor Mike can hang his hat on two important milestones: a declining murder rate and measurable advancements in the green economy. In short, he has painted this town from red to green.

This week, Nutter improves on his promise to create William Penn’s “Green Country Town.” On December 3rd, Philadelphia City Council approved Bill No. 090119, a tax credit/incentive program for certified sustainable businesses. Philadelphia’s green community are hoping Mayor Mike will give his stamp of approval later this month, as it is suspected he will. Nutter has been a friend to the environmental community, supporting the expansion of bike lanes, contributing funding for green jobs initiative and, most recently bringing single-stream recycling and approving incentive programs to increase participation. Tax incentives for sustainable businesses will encourage already strong development potential for Philadelphia and will battle rising unemployment.

But if Michael Nutter needs a legacy, as the Daily News seems to suggest, he could do worse than plugging the brain drain. Philadelphia and the state of Pennsylvania has been hemorrhaging technology and science jobs for the past 15 years. Increased funding for technology transfer and university programs across the state have turned the numbers a bit. But adding fuel to the green energy fire could keep those sustainable technology jobs in Philadelphia. Put the incentives where they belong so we can keep building from red to green.

This month, the Pennsylvania House is scheduled to vote on House Bill 80, a controversial alternative energy measure that would expand Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Performance Standards. When the House first produced a bill bringing AEP standards to Pennsylvania in 2004, our state became a leader in alternative energy measures and reversing the effects of climate change. By enforcing diversification of the energy portfolio, Pennsylvania saw the small business sector emboldened, new jobs created and new solar facilities coming on line on both sides of the state.

But now, as Pennsylvania’s unemployment rates hit a 17-year high in October, the House is dragging their feet on bringing this pivotal expansion to a vote. Just like in 2004, alternative energy standards ensure that our state not only keeps pace with the nation in terms of phasing out our nation’s dependence on fossil fuels, it ensures that we remain a leader in this field. But more importantly, these expansions would create thousands of green jobs and would continue the competitive rise of alternative energy startups in Pennsylvania. These entrepreneurs are the future of Pennsylvania energy and the key to reversing the tide of record unemployment.

Not only can you get steaming mad about our state government’s lackadaisical attitude toward this bill, you can do something about it. Visit PennFuture and let your representative know how you feel. It’s time to bring Pennsylvania back to a leadership position on climate change, new green jobs and alternative energy entrepreneurship.