Shirmanstown – Republican Gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett today toured one of the state’s leading biodiesel facilities, highlighting the potential that alternative energy sources hold for the future of energy in Pennsylvania. A top priority for Tom Corbett is reducing our dependence on foreign oil. By utilizing alternative energy sources such as biodiesel fuels, he feels the commonwealth can become a leading exporter of energy.
“In the past five years, biodiesel refineries built in Pennsylvania have provided a production capacity of 110 million gallons of biodiesel per year, added over $190 million to the economy and created hundreds of jobs.” said Corbett. “With agricultural commodity prices approaching record lows, more can be done to utilize domestic surpluses of vegetable oils and animal fats while enhancing our energy security.”
Tom Corbett is a strong proponent of the growing biodiesel industry which uses soybean oil, animal fats and other renewable sources of energy to produce fuel.
“Keystone Biofuels, Inc. is a great example of what is working. It is providing both new fuel and new refining capacity to the commonwealth’s energy infrastructure,” said Corbett.
Pennsylvania is also on the forefront of an enormous energy opportunity, the Marcellus Shale industry. The Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves represent the single largest economic development opportunity in the commonwealth over the next several decades.
“In 2009, Marcellus Shale brought in more than $400 million in state and local tax revenue and has created thousands of new high paying jobs,” said Corbett. “But harnessing this new energy potential comes with a responsibility to protect our water supply. That is why I will create a Marcellus Shale Science Advisory Board within the Department of Environmental Protection to help ensure the safety of our water,” said Corbett.
With the tremendous potential in alternative energy sources, Tom Corbett feels we can make Pennsylvania a global leader in energy and bring job opportunities for the next generation.
“For far too long, our young people have been leaving the state to look for jobs elsewhere, we can’t let that happen,” said Corbett. “That is why I am running for Governor, so our children and grandchildren don’t have to go out of state to find work because they will have greater opportunities here.”
Tom Corbett has been personally visiting companies like Keystone Biofuels, Inc. to learn firsthand the concerns of business owners and their impact on the commonwealth’s economy.
He has had an ongoing discussion with business leaders and employees about the importance of keeping jobs in Pennsylvania and making sure we see growth in our jobs market.
Keystone Biofuels is Pennsylvania’s longest running biodiesel facility and the first to use Pennsylvania grown products to make biodiesel. The plant produces 20 million gallons of biodiesel per year and is working on an upgrade that will increase that number to 33 million gallons.
To learn more about Tom Corbett’s plan on making Pennsylvania an Energy Leader in the 21st Century visit www.tomcorbettforgovernor.com.
