Pa. governor honored for renewable stance

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 20 (UPI) -- Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell was honored with the Apollo Alliance award for the state's achievements in promoting renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power.

Pennsylvania Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty accepted the "All the Right Stuff" award this week on behalf of Rendell and the commonwealth.

"In Pennsylvania, we're turning environmental challenges and the rising demands for energy into economic opportunities," McGinty said. "At Gov. Rendell's direction, we've successfully brought some of the world's leading clean and renewable technology firms to Pennsylvania, adding more than 2,500 jobs in this rapidly growing industry.

"This approach has improved our ability to meet growing energy demands with solutions that are produced within our borders, ultimately leading Pennsylvania down a path of energy independence."

Since January 2003, Rendell has invested in wind, solar and biofuel projects across the state, leveraging nearly $1 billion in new investments from the alternative energy industry.

Leading international firms have chosen to establish operations in Pennsylvania. Since Rendell took office, the world's largest solar power integration company in the world, Conergy, and the second largest wind turbine manufacturer, Gamesa, have chosen Pennsylvania as the base for their North American headquarters.

Gamesa has also established two manufacturing facilities in the state. Together, the commitments by the two companies will result in more than 1,000 new jobs and more than $200 million in new investments.

McGinty accepted the award at the Take Back America Conference in Washington.