HARRISBURG, PA — Members of the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from energy and environmental experts at a public hearing on December 16 to consider options for addressing climate change, said Chairman Mike Sturla.

Representative Greg Vitali, who serves as Democratic chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, requested the hearing and served as co-chairman. At the meeting, lawmakers heard testimony from professors, advocates and professionals in green construction regarding ongoing measures other states, industries and utilities are taking to address the growing impact of climate change.

“The existence of climate change and its negative impacts are recognized not only by scientists and environmentalists, but by a majority of Americans,” Sturla said. “Now the dialogue shifts to the most practical and effective ways to combat climate change; Representative Vitali has played a key role in leading that discussion.”

After hearing from testifiers, Vitali said, “The utility sector relies heavily on fossil fuels to produce electricity, and as a result, contributes 38% of the greenhouse gas emissions in Pennsylvania. The most important thing state lawmakers can do is to expand the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard.”