November 30, 2007

CONTACT: Martin Indars
1-610-692-2112

WEST CHESTER - State Senator Andy Dinniman said on Friday that he was pleased that PennFuture selected him as one of six lawmakers on “Santa’s Nice List” for his stance on alternative energy legislation.

“It’s nice to get a pat on the back from PennFuture. I appreciate the support and will continue to work for a cleaner and brighter future for all of Pennsylvania,” Dinniman said.

PennFuture, a leading nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, selected Dinniman for his recent opposition to Special Session Senate Bill 25. The bill would move “lignins” or paper mill waste from a Tier 2 to a Tier 1 renewable mandate under the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act. The Act, which was passed in 2004, mandates that energy companies incrementally increase the use of alternative energy in the coming years.

“The fear is that paper mill waste will crowd out other promising clean energy technologies in Tier 1, such as wind, solar and geothermal. This is a real and valid concern. That is why I voted against it,” Dinniman said.

Despite opposition from Dinniman and five other senators, the Special Senate Committee on Energy Policies voted 10-6 to approve the legislation. It now goes to the full Senate.

For more information contact Senator Dinniman’s West Chester District Office at (610) 692-2112 or e-mail andy@pasenate.com.