Cohen recognized by national group for environmental initiatives

2006-02-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

Cohen recognized by national group for environmental initiatives

HARRISBURG, Feb. 21 -- State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., has been recognized by a national environmental group for his efforts to promote hybrid vehicle technology in Pennsylvania.

On Monday, the environmental group Apollo Alliance released a report, "New Energy for States," that outlines the best state-based clean energy solutions. In the report, the group identified Cohen's recent introduction of three bills to promote the use of plug-in hybrid gas-electric vehicles and applauded him, saying that Cohen is "providing a model the nation should follow."

"This was unexpected, but to have my proposals included in a report on clean energy solutions by such a broad-based organization as Apollo Alliance is a great honor and shows that Pennsylvania is on the right track," Cohen said.

However, he noted, the accolades shouldn't lull the state into complacency.

"We may be leading the way, as Apollo Alliance says, but we can do more to encourage use of clean energy and hybrid vehicles."

Cohen's legislation would call on domestic car makers to manufacture plug-in hybrids (H.R. 445); create a state plug-in hybrid task force (H.B. 2068); and exempt from the state sales tax the batteries and hardware in plug-in hybrids, as well as the labor to convert a car to a plug-in hybrid (H.B. 2392).

Cohen pointed out that hybrid technology is gaining support from the federal government. Also Monday, President George Bush spoke at Johnson Controls, a hybrid battery manufacturer, and endorsed the idea of plug-in and other hybrid vehicles as one way the nation could reduce its dependence on foreign oil.

"Another way we can reinforce this message is to hold a national hybrid car summit so both state and national leaders can get together to examine alternative energy sources,” Cohen said.

Cohen is suggesting that the summit be held in Philadelphia while the city celebrates the 300th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, who invented the electric battery that is the basis for today's hybrid cars. Cohen further said that the West Philadelphia High School program that has developed national award-winning alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles could also be showcased at this proposed event.

To learn more about plug-in hybrids or to post your own comments, visit Cohen's blog at http://keystonehybrid.blogspot.com.

The Apollo Alliance represents a coalition of national security, labor, environmental, civil rights and business leaders who are fighting for energy independence from foreign energy sources.

Cohen proposes hybrid technology summit in Philadelphia in Franklin’s honor in 2006

2006-02-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

NEWS RELEASE
HARRISBURG, Feb. 1 – State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., is asking his House colleagues to support a resolution calling for the creation of a National Hybrid Car Summit.

Cohen, who also has the website Keystonehybrid.com, said the summit should be held in Philadelphia in honor of Benjamin Franklin, the city’s most famous resident and a man who invented and named the electric battery, which today form the basis for hybrid cars.

Cohen said that the nation’s dependence on oil puts it as risk, and both state and national leaders need to examine alternative energy sources.

“We need to find ways to stretch our petroleum supply and use it in the most efficient way, especially when it comes to transportation,” Cohen said. “We have the technology, and hybrid cars are growing in popularity. I think with the proper focus, hybrid plug-ins would gain huge acceptance.”

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are similar to today’s Toyota Prius and Ford Hybrid Escape, but have larger batteries that can be charged overnight by plugging them into an outlet. With plug-in hybrids, the first 20 to 30 miles of driving each day are powered mainly by electricity rather than gasoline. This reduces gasoline costs for consumers by about $1 per gallon, Cohen said.

Cohen said his plan for Philadelphia to host a summit would promote the development of American-made hybrid cars and plug-in hybrids.

“A summit would serve as a building block for the development of this future industry,” Cohen said. “It is my intention to invite auto makers, battery companies, public utilities, environmentalists and hybrid advocates; I think together we can develop, promote and deliver this technology and change the face of our roadways.” Cohen said he plans to introduce his resolution in the coming weeks.

keystonehybrid.com

Cohen recognized by national group for environmental initiatives

Cohen proposes hybrid technology summit in Philadelphia in Franklin’s honor in 2006