HARRISBURG — Governor Edward G. Rendell proclaimed today as “Dump the Pump Day,” announced the purchase of 14 hybrid public transportation vehicles, and launched a Web site to promote alternate transportation as he continues leading Pennsylvania toward energy independence.

“The only way to secure our energy future is to take steps now that allow Pennsylvania to be more energy efficient and conserve our natural resources,” Governor Rendell said. “We cannot reduce our dependence on foreign oil unless we make better use of the alternative transportation options and invest in our own home-grown fuel resources as proposed in the PennSecurity Fuels Initiative.

The Governor again urged the General Assembly to adopt the strategy and send these bills to him for signature:

• H.B. 1202, the Governor’s PennSecurity Fuels Initiative, has been awaiting action by the Senate since June. It requires nearly 1 billion gallons of biofuels to be produced and consumed in the commonwealth — an amount equal to what the state will import from the Persian Gulf by 2017.
• Special Session H.B. 1, which was adopted by the House on March 11, will provide funding to develop solar, wind and other advanced energy industries; make it easier for consumers to purchase and install solar panels; continue the state’s leadership in energy-efficient green buildings, and helps consumers purchase high-efficiency heating/cooling equipment and appliances.
• H.B. 2200 was passed by the House on Feb. 12 and will help consumers save on their energy bills by conserving electricity and using it more efficiently. Once fully implemented, H.B. 2200 will save consumers $1.3 billion by 2012 on their energy bills through conservation and bringing down the cost of electricity during peak load