Pennsylvania launches program promoting solar energy

• Marie Cusick
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  Marie Cusick was the Harrisburg reporter for StateImpact Pennsylvania.

The state Department of Environmental Protection is moving ahead with a 30-month program to kick-start a major solar energy initiative called Finding Pennsylvania’s Solar Future. Acting DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell appeared on WITF’s Smart Talk Wednesday to discuss the program, which is funded by $550,000 from the federal Department of Energy.

Although less than one percent of Pennsylvania’s energy generation is currently derived from solar power, McDonnell says he wants the state to become a solar energy leader by 2030.

McDonnell also discussed the department’s efforts to add more inspectors to its water program, following a recent warning letter from the Environmental Protection Agency, which said Pennsylvania lacked the necessary resources to enforce federal safe drinking water standards.

Listen to the full interview here:

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