Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Highlights Renewable Energy, Health Care Reform at Ag Progress Days

    ROCK SPRINGS, Pa., Aug. 20 /EMWNews/ -- Governor Edward

G. Rendell today said Pennsylvania's agricultural industry is struggling

with high fuel costs and a broken healthcare system, underscoring the need

to secure the state's energy independence and make healthcare more

affordable for working adults.



    Nearly 900 guests gathered to hear the Governor's message at the

Government & Industry Day Luncheon at Ag Progress Days, Pennsylvania's

largest outdoor agricultural exposition.



    "As the state's largest industry, agriculture contributes greatly to

Pennsylvania's economic success and way of life," said Governor Rendell. "I

applaud the continued role our agricultural industry is playing in helping

to secure our state's energy independence through encouraging homegrown

technology to take root."



    In July, the Governor signed H.B. 1202 and Special Session S.B. 22 into

law to replace 1 billion gallons of transportation fuel used in

Pennsylvania with domestically produced renewable fuels. The laws will help

spur the development of homegrown biofuels in Pennsylvania and reduce the

state's dependence on foreign fuels by establishing new requirements that

every gallon of gasoline and diesel fuel contain a percentage of cellulosic

ethanol and biodiesel.



    "With high fuel costs, farmers are adjusting, compromising and changing

to keep their operations afloat," said Governor Rendell. "That means they

are cutting back on their own resources, including expensive healthcare.



    "More than 767,000 Pennsylvanians are without healthcare coverage, and

that number is expected to rise as families continue to struggle to make

ends meet," Governor Rendell said. "More must be done to ensure our

neighbors have access to the health care they need."



    In January 2007, Governor Rendell rolled out the Prescription for

Pennsylvania, a realistic plan for meeting the state's urgent needs by

providing access to affordable health care coverage to every Pennsylvanian,

expanding access to health care in appropriate settings for the best cost,

improving quality by delivering the proper care, and promoting wellness.



    At the luncheon, Governor Rendell also announced the hiring of Ronald

Bolze Jr. as the first executive director for the Pennsylvania Center for

Beef Excellence. A native of Perry County, Bolze brings extensive

background and national experience in the beef cattle industry to the

center.



    A year ago, Governor Rendell appointed a beef task force to re-energize

the state's cattlemen, encouraging them to push for increased profits, more

beef production and a stronger agricultural economy. The group's 39 members

represent all aspects of the industry from production, education and

industry. In January, the task force announced its plan to develop a Center

for Beef Excellence.



    Ag Progress Days runs today until 8 p.m. and tomorrow from 9 a.m. - 4

p.m. Admission and parking are free.



    The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public

education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing

economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out

more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly

newsletter, visit http://www.governor.state.pa.us.



    CONTACT:



    Teresa Candori



    717-783-1116



    Nicole L. C. Bucher, Ag



    717-787-5085