John had the first alternative energy bill in 2007 passed and signed into law during the first 6 months of his first term. Since then he has been a leader on the way to Pennsylvania’s energy independence. “ This is the only road we can take now”, said Hornaman, “ because the other road, the ‘do-nothing’ road, takes us to continued reliance on fossil fuels, lost economic opportunity, and increasing demand on utilities which results in the building of more plants utilizing old technology.”
John has often expressed his frustration over the lost opportunities of the 1970’s: “While we sat in gas lines back then, our politicians made empty promises about making America energy independent. We can no longer afford to sit by and do nothing. European nations have left us behind in wind, solar, and nuclear power, while South American countries like Brazil have weaned themselves off foreign oil by developing sugar cane ethanol. America CAN do this, if we have the will--with Pennsylvania leading the way. “
His most recent legislation, HB 2342, would potentially bring offshore wind energy to our area.
Because the state owns the land under Lake Erie to the Canadian border, HB 2342 would permit the state to lease submerged lands in Lake Erie for the development of wind generation facilities. This legislation would allow Pennsylvania to not only develop a new renewable energy source, but to compete and benefit from all the job creation in shipbuilding, construction, manufacturing and supply chain industries that will be created by wind farms.
The stakeholders from every facet -from tourism and fishing to environmental and shipping- are being consulted on the project, to insure that we do not disrupt the beautiful Presque Isle ecosystem, or that of the lake itself.
There’s an exciting energy future out there, and Pennsylvania is going to be a key player in it. John Hornaman will have a big role in making it happen.