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2016 Centre County Planning Opportunities Conservation

Centre County Comprehensive Plan — Phase II Implementation Strategies

Introduction County-wide In 2003, the Centre County Board of Commissioners Planning adopted a County-wide Comprehensive Plan which included Goals background studies, inventories of existing conditions, goals and recommendations. These recommendations, revised Adopted 2003 and updated, continue to serve as a vision and a general direction for policy and community improvement. Those specific to will be discussed here along with implementation strategies to achieve the recom- #1 — Identify, pre- mendations. For more detailed background information serve, enhance and monitor agricultural please refer to the 2003 Comprehensive Plan available on resources. the Centre County Planning and Community Development webpage: #2 — Identify, pre- serve, and monitor http://centrecountypa.gov/index.aspx?nid=212. environmental and Centre County seeks to balance growth, protection of natural resources. resources, investment in compatible new building Small wind turbines like erected #3 — Preserve his- development, and incentives for . at the DEP Moshannon Office, toric and cultural Much of this effort includes , community can help offset costs resources. outreach and expert professional service. to the property. #4 — Ensure decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing in suitable living surroundings, com- patible with the en- vironment for all The Keystone Principles individuals. In 2005, Pennsylvania adopt-  Redevelop first #5 — Appropriately ed the “Keystone Principles  Provide efficient infrastructure locate and maintain for Growth, Investment and existing and pro- Resource Conservation”, a  Concentrate development posed community set of principles that have  Increase job opportunities facilities, utilities, focused Pennsylvania on and services for all  Foster sustainable reinvestment and reuse of its residents.  Restore and enhance the environment assets. #6 — Identify and  Enhance recreational and heritage resources promote economic Initially intended for state  Expand housing opportunities development initia- agencies, these principles are tives to maintain becoming embraced by local  Plan regionally and implement locally and grow a diverse governments as a tool to  Be fair economic base in guide local decisions and each of the Coun- have become adopted into This plan update recommends county-wide adoption of ty’s planning re- county comprehensive plans. these principles. gions.

Adopted by the Centre County Board of Commissioners, August 30, 2016 by Resolution No. 14 of 2016. Page 2 Energy Conservation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Current Trends and Considerations 3 & 4 Land Use Energy Conservation 13

Energy Conservation Issues by Planning Region 5 Growth boundaries

Issue #1. Energy conservation should be embraced Development design at the community-level by local government, businesses, and residents to collectively reduce Greenway planning . 6 - 13 Agricultural land preservation Background 6 Issue #2. sources, facilities and Data 7 technologies should be proactively explored and encouraged where best suited for utilization. 14—23 Objective, Goals & Strategies 8 Background 14 Tools 9 - 13 Data 15—22 Home Energy Conservation 9 Wind energy 15

Home energy audits 17

Energy retrofitting energy 19

Low-income usage reduction Ground-source energy 21

Appliance rebates Objective, Goals & Strategies 23

Business/Government Energy Conservation 10 Issue #3. Communities should be encouraged to explore projects through a Utility bill analysis combination of energy reduction and renewable Green construction energy sources. 24—25

Adaptive reuse Background 24

LED street lights Data 24

Leadership in energy/ Objective, Goals & Strategies 25 Interrelationships 26

Industry Energy Conservation 11 Resources 27

Partnerships for technology Leveraging renewable energy project financing 28 Combined and

Recycling

Transportation Energy Conservation 12

Mass transportation

Walkable communities

Transit oriented development Energy Conservation Page 3 Current Trends and Considerations The Pathway to Energy Independence

Energy Independence is a powerful verbal icon originally conceived and defined during the 1970s oil embargos and shortages in the United States. The term resurfaced Energy Conservation vs. Energy Efficiency and gained new meaning during the 2008 Great Energy conservation refers to reducing conservation. Driving the same amount Recession as national energy consumption through using less of with a higher gas per mileage vehicle is an political leaders called for a an energy source. Energy conservation example of energy efficiency. Energy return to economic balance differs from , which conservation and energy efficiency are and protection from our refers to using less energy but not both energy reduction techniques. vulnerability created by changing behaviors or routines that over-dependence on foreign consume energy. For example, driving Image from http://www.heliosenergy.org. to our cars, less is an example of energy trucks and airplanes as the price per gallon of gasoline reached historic price ceilings.

Energy independence can seem unachievable, a lofty goal that is a worthy concept in blueprint but difficult to implement. If we consider energy independence as a process implementable at the community-level, when global global socio-political barriers are removed and local examples are explored, energy independence is within grasp. The steps to energy independence first start with reducing energy consumption (conservation) and next employing more energy efficient technologies. Page 4 Centre County Comprehensive Plan — Phase II Implementation Strategies Current Trends and Considerations continued Attitudes towards energy consumption

Between 2007 and 2008 (Great Recession), Americans’ were more in favor of energy conservation practices and less emphasis was placed on increasing America’s . During this time, the price per gallon of gasoline was near $4 in some U.S. cities (Energy Information Administration, 2009). Post- recession as the economy improved and production revved up in the Marcellus Shale Basin, the gap between Americans’ preferences towards energy conservation and increasing energy production has narrowed (2012 Gallup Poll, graph at right). The price of gasoline has decreased and, natural gas prices continue to decouple from other petroleum products (U.S. Department of Energy, 2014). This closing gap trend between attitudes should be considered as we encourage energy reduction.

Human behavior and energy consumption

A 2011 study conducted at the Earth high-energy behaviors. For example, behavior of driving an automobile less Institute and Center for Research on respondents assumed that their laptop often or using public transportation, Environmental Decisions at Columbia computers were using twice the energy 31.8% of respondents felt that was University (Understanding decisions necessary to power them but, perceived others’ responsibility (or society’s about energy, Attari et al) surveyed 500 that were 800-times more responsibility); 19.3% of those surveyed participants in metropolitan areas to gain energy efficient than they are. felt that they could drive a car less often insight into energy consumption or take public transportation. In general, perceptions, effective energy reduction Not surprising was survey respondents’ adopting easy behaviors applied to behaviors, and energy consumption willingness to adopt energy reduction oneself but making difficult behavior attitudes that reflect one’s self- behaviors that are easy and immediately changes applied to others. responsibility or society’s responsibility. save money on energy costs. For example, participants ranked turning off The study found that most participants lights and appliances in the top ten have small overestimates for low-energy behaviors they would be willing to behaviors and large underestimates for change. However, when posed with the

Renewable energy sources

Energy conservation practices and motor , and rural (off-grid) . energy efficiency technologies lay the services. foundation towards incorporating in- Renewable energy technologies are whole or in-part renewable energy Renewable energy resources exist over getting cheaper, through technological sources. Renewable energy is generally wide geographical areas, in contrast to change and through the benefits of defined as energy that comes from other energy sources, which are production and market competition resources which are naturally concentrated in a limited number of (International Energy Agency, 2011). replenished such as sunlight, wind, rain, countries. While many renewable energy First, individual behavior to reduce tides, waves and geothermal heat. projects are large-scale, renewable energy consumption must change. Next, Renewable energy replaces conventional technologies are also suited to rural and renewable energy sources can be fuels in four distinct areas: electricity remote areas and developing countries, explored. Last, communities can move generation, hot water/space heating, where energy is often crucial in human towards local energy sources. Page 5 Centre County Comprehensive Plan — Phase II Implementation Strategies

Energy Conservation Issues by Planning Region

ISSUES CENTRE LOWER BALD MOSHANNON MOUNTAINTOP NITTANY PENNS UPPER BALD ISSUE EAGLE VALLEY VALLEY VALLEY VALLEY EAGLE VALLEY SYMBOL 1. Energy conservation should be embraced at the community-level by local government, businesses, and  residents to collectively reduce energy consumption.

2. Renewable energy sources, facilities and technologies should be actively explored and B encouraged where best suited for utilization.

3. Communities should be encouraged to explore energy independence projects through a

combination of energy J reduction and renewable energy sources.

High priority issue The symbol associated with each issue will be found on the page headings.

Medium priority issue Each issue is addressed as a chapter in the document containing the data, goals, strategies, and tools supporting the issue. Low priority issue

Determining Issue Priority The issues identified at the county-level must have some relevance to the regional and local planning bodies. While not every issue will be a  Case studies  Planning staff high priority across all regions at this time, this table graphically represents the feedback received from regional and municipal representatives. Persons were asked to rank prioritize the issues as  Data  National and regional high (indicated by red), medium (shown in yellow), or low (in trends green).  Page 6 Collectively reduce energy consumption

Issue #1. Energy conservation should be embraced at the community-level by local government, businesses, and residents to collectively reduce energy consumption. Why is this an issue?

The year 2012 marked China’s rank as the top energy-consuming country in the world, placing the United States as the second-largest energy consumer globally (Energy Information Administration, 2013). While the U.S. dropped one spot on the list of global energy consumers, overall energy consumption by the United States has remained constant. Through the year 2040, energy use in the developed world is forecast to remain steady while the rest of developing world catches up—and begins to consume more energy. These consumption predictions also take into consideration advances in , given the current rate of energy demands. In the meantime, when we examine energy consumption by the United States, we find that every sector consumes energy and those energy sources are primarily fossil-fuel based. Energy conservation is one topic in which the adage “think globally, act locally” applies. Taking a proactive stance versus a reactive position on energy conservation is most pertinent in the present. Reducing energy demand can be an incremental process where small behavioral changes are made by incorporating advanced technologies, converting to renewable energy sources, and upgrading to more energy efficient appliances or vehicles. To a certain extent, no one sector should be fully responsible for adopting and practicing energy conservation. Homes, businesses, industries, transportation, and utilities all consume energy. Consumption can be direct (burning fuel oil to for home heating) or indirect (burning for electricity generation). A collective effort to reduce energy consumption is better Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Global Energy Consumption 2013. received, especially by communities.  Collectively reduce energy consumption Page 7 Energy Consumption Data

Buildings account for nearly half of all energy consumption in the United States. Of the nation’s built-environment, households account for about one-fifth of the total energy consumed in the United States. Nearly one-third (28%) of energy consumed is in the transportation sector for ground, air, and rail travel. Energy inputs to industry—production and manufacturing– are nearly one-quarter of the United States energy consumption. Given these figures, data and tools will be presented in the following order:

 Households

 Businesses

 Industry

 Transportation

The Water-Energy Nexus

All types of electricity generation A 2012 water-energy nexus study by the consume water either to process the raw Department of Energy (http://www.doe.gov) Water for materials used in the facility or fuel, presents challenges and opportunities to the constructing and maintaining the plant, water-energy nexus at local, regional, and Electricity or to just generate the electricity itself. national scales. The study recommends: In the United States, about two gallons (7.6 L) of water is evaporated to create one  Optimize the freshwater efficiency of kilowatt hour (kWh) of energy. This water is energy production, electricity consumed in thermoelectric plants which generation, and end use systems; are power plants converting waste heat into electrical power and evaporated in  Optimize the energy efficiency of water reservoirs for hydroelectric plants. Thermal management, treatment, distribution, power plants require large amounts of and end use systems; cooling water. Thirty-nine percent (39%) of all freshwater withdrawals in the United  Enhance the reliability and resilience of States are used for thermoelectric energy energy and water systems; production.  Increase safe and productive use on Electricity As energy requires water, water supply nontraditional water sources; and sewage disposal needs energy. for Water Drinking water must be pumped to the  Promote responsible energy operations treatment plant, pre-treated, and then with respect to water quality, pumped to consumers. In areas where fresh ecosystem, and seismic impacts; water is scarce and drinking water must be brought in from a long distance, the energy  Take advantage of productive footprint for this drinking water is extremely synergies among water and energy high. The energy consumed for pumping systems. groundwater is typically between 537 kWh and 2,270 kWh per million gallons depending on pumping depth.  Page 8 Collectively reduce energy consumption Objective for

Collectively reducing energy consumption

Encourage and promote the adoption of land use and capital improvement plans that allow for non-motorized transportation, preservation of green space, and .

GOALS & STRATEGIES

GOAL: Guide municipal land use policies that reduce energy consumption.

STRATEGIES:

 Develop model zoning ordinance language that promotes energy conservation techniques into new construction by establishing building type and orientation, setbacks, landscaping, and other development provisions that reduce energy demand as the preferred of minimum standard.

 Encourage municipalities to adopt growth boundaries to regulate where development can occur.

 Promote energy efficient patterns of growth and sustainable development.

 Encourage coordinated planning efforts with communities to develop smart growth through land use and zoning.

GOAL: Promote energy efficiency design for capital improvement projects.

STRATEGIES:

 Provide incentives at the local level or apply state-level incentives to incorporate green technology and adaptive reuse.

 Encourage site designs which utilize the capture and re-use of waste heat in commercial and industrial processes.

 Promote energy efficient in public facilities and services, identifying the energy conservation techniques developers will use during the subdivision and land development review process.

GOAL: Promote energy conservation through shared ridership and/or public transportation and non-motorized transportation.

STRATEGIES:

 Encourage municipalities to foster transit oriented development (TOD) by incorporating TOD overlay districts into their zoning ordinances.

 Amend the County’s Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to allow for bicycle access on new road construction, in addition to sidewalks; bike access should be denied only under exceptional circumstances.

 Develop local bicycle and pedestrian facility manuals to provide detailed design information address on-street bicycle facilities, fully-accessible sidewalks and crosswalks, and shared use paths.

 Encourage large employers to offer payroll deductions for employees who use public transportation.  Collectively reduce energy consumption Page 9 Home Energy Conservation Tools

Home and Act 129

Governor Rendell signed Act 129 in 2008, clients monthly bills. All clients have paid cooling system, insulation, windows, mandating that all electric utilities in the into this program, and the fund offered appliances and ; state must reduce their client's energy through it are accessible to all, making a consumption by a percentage each year utility company's Act 129 program an  Conduct a blower test to detect thereafter. Utilities will be penalized with a excellent way to fund energy-related air leaks; $20 million fine each year that they do not upgrades. If you have already completed meet the assigned percentage of some upgrades, it may not be too late to  Conduct a combustion appliance test reduction. To avoid the fine, utility recoup some of your costs. Most utilities (if required) for health and safety; companies have developed programs to allow you to apply for rebates for projects reduce consumption among their clients. that occurred up to a year ago.  Install energy-saving products such These programs are paid through a as lightbulbs, smart power strips, small charge on each client's monthly All electric consumers are paying for water faucet aerators, and pipe bill and are accessible by all who are this program but few take advantage of insulation. served by the particular utility company. it. First Energy’s home energy audit costs Under Act 129, the utility companies that A home energy audit is performed by $350 but rebates are available to serve this region offer rebates and other qualified energy auditor who is contracted income-qualified homeowners. More credits to those who make energy efficient by the utility company. information is available online at http:// changes to their homes. The money paid energysavepa-home.com/residential- A home energy audit will: back through rebates has been amassed energy-audit. through the Act 129 line item of each  Evaluate a home’s heating and

Energy Retrofitting and Low-Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP)

Homeowners and businesses in existing buildings can reduce The Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP) is a their energy costs through energy retrofitting and weatherization. statewide utility-sponsored program mandated by Pennsylvania There are a variety of improvements that can be made to the Public Utility Commission regulations. (Smart Comfort and structure to improve energy efficiency. Retrofitting includes the Weatherization Assistance Programs are the equivalent of installation of energy efficient appliances, the replacement of LIURP in some utility territories.) LIURP is intended to help iridescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, proper low-income residential customers lower their energy costs sealing of the building and/or weatherization to prevent air through effective energy conservation. Customers may qualify leaks, and proper maintenance or replacement of HVAC for energy-efficiency improvements such as storm windows, equipment. Weatherization includes a wide variety of energy storm , insulation, replacement, water heater efficiency measures that encompass the building envelope, its jackets, energy-efficient lighting, and energy audits. LIURP heating and cooling systems, its electrical system, and complements and supplements the services funded by other low electricity consuming appliances. According to the U.S. - income programs. Each utility company has some flexibility in Department of Energy, on average, weatherization reduces terms of the of services provided to reduce energy heating bills by 32% and overall energy bills by $358 per year at usage. The income eligibility for LIURP in Pennsylvania is 150 current prices. Pennsylvania also offers assistance to low to percent above the federal poverty level. For some customers moderate income homeowners for weatherization through the with special needs (such as handicapped or disabled people, PA Department of Community and . seriously ill people, or the elderly), the household income Centre County residents can receive assistance locally through eligibility may be increased to 200 percent above federal poverty Central Pennsylvania Community Action and the Centre County level. Office of Assistance.

Appliance Rebates Pennsylvania’s residential electric utility means for the electric utility companies to customers are eligible for qualified rebates help homeowners reduce their energy for purchasing new, energy efficient usage and increase their energy efficiency. appliances. Electric utilities will also More information and an application is arrange to haul away old appliances such available online at http://energysavepa- as clothes washers, , freezers, home.com/appliance. , and water heaters. The Energy Efficient Products Program is a  Page 10 Collectively reduce energy consumption

Business and Government Energy Conservation Tools

Utility Bill Analysis

A utility bill analysis is akin to a home  Whether there a utility billing or efficiency technologies, and can focus on energy audit but is applicable more to metering errors; a specific energy consumption factor, like business and industry, government or not turning off office equipment during off public-use buildings. Utility bill tracking is  When usage or metering patterns hours. at the center of change. decisions. Most organizations will choose Weather normalization removes to hire a private energy consultant to There are three (3) standard utility bill variations due to temperatures and/or perform an utility bill analysis. From utility analysis techniques: benchmarking, load seasons so that users have a true year-to- bills, entities can determine: factor analysis, and weather year comparison of energy use. normalization.  Whether you are saving energy or More detailed information regarding these utility bill analysis techniques is increasing your consumption; Benchmarking helps to identify which buildings should be the focus of energy summarized at the website http://  Which buildings are using too much management efforts and allows www.abraxasenergy.com/articles/utility energy; organizations to set realistic energy -bill-analysis-methods/. reducing goals.  Whether current energy management efforts are succeeding; Load factor analysis identifies billing or metering problems, informs agencies on whether to reduce consumption or apply

Green Construction Adaptive Reuse

Reductions in energy consumption are necessary in order to Adaptive reuse encourages the use of existing buildings for provide a positive impact on the , human development as opposed to the clearing of undeveloped land. health, and the economy. The built environment is Adaptive reuse is not always feasible, in which case there are accountable for a large percentage of total energy actions the developer can take to become a steward of the consumption and is an area prime for energy saving site. The Centre County Site Finder provides information on techniques, referred to as or green available commercial and industrial properties that are partially construction. Green building describes a technique used to or totally vacated. These structures show potential for reuse design and build buildings using a method and materials that and/or for business relocation, expansion or entrepreneurial promote energy conservation. A green building can be new incubators. The sites are within existing service areas for construction or an existing building can be retrofitted with utilities. The Centre County Site Finder link is energy conservation materials, systems, and appliances. http://gissites.co.centre.pa.us/java/CCSiteFinder.

Green building in new construction should use sustainable materials from renewable resources. Sustainable materials LED street lights include reused or recycled, durable materials that do not need to be replaced as often, and create healthy, indoor The LED is an integrated light that uses light environments with minimal pollutants. The building's location, emitting diodes (LED) as its light source. The primary appeal insulation, usage, hours of operation, occupancy, and of LED street lighting is energy efficiency compared to equipment loads determine heating, ventilating, and air conventional street lighting fixture technologies. Research conditioning (HVAC); HVAC requirements are also very continues to improve the efficiency of newer models of LED important in order to ensure that the completed building is as street lights. Municipalities may consider installing LED energy efficient as possible. Buildings should be oriented in fixtures for cost savings. A municipal guide to LED street light such a way that outdoor elements are utilized to their fullest conversion is available at http://www.leotek.com/education/ potential including sun for natural lighting and shade for documents/Leotek.LED.Streetlight.Guide.V7-101613.pdf. natural cooling.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a Green Building Rating System that utilizes third party certification and is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance “green” buildings. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to in new construction or existing buildings by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and : sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. LEED consists of a five-tiered rating system that ranges from Certified, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. There are currently four LEED recognized projects in Centre County: Certified: Penn State Ballpark, Medlar Field – University Park; Silver: School of Forest Research Building – University Park; Gold: Geisinger-Gray’s Woods—State College; PA-DEP Moshannon District Office - Philipsburg; School of and Landscape – University Park.  Collectively reduce energy consumption Page 11 Industry Energy Conservation Tools

Partnerships to promote advanced energy efficiency technologies

Reducing and recovering lost energy is to implementation and should be the primary concern among industrial showcased within the industrial setting. energy managers. Lost energy in Validating the performance of new manufacturing and production facilities technologies is critical to commercializing can equate to money losses on the bottom technologies widespread. All parties can line. contribute by cost sharing for research and development. An opportunity to advance new energy Are there opportunities for efficient technologies is through industrial- A full report regarding energy losses in government partnerships with applied manufacturing is available online from the County government to research and development from U.S. Department of Energy: leverage resources with the universities. Technology development industrial sector, given Penn should be both application-specific and http://www1.eere.energy.gov/ industry-led. manufacturing/intensiveprocesses/ State’s new stance on pdfs/reduction_roadmap.pdf. Intellectual Property? Demonstration of new technologies is key

Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Combined heat and power (CHP) systems capture energy that would otherwise be consider “waste” in standard electric generation systems and converts a portion of that energy into heating and/or cooling. The image (right) is a graphic of energy efficiency comparisons between power plants. However, smaller CHP units are available that can be used for businesses and industries. CHP is also known as co- generation systems because electricity and heat are simul- taneously generated.

Trigeneration or combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) refers to the simultaneous generation of electricity and useful heating and cooling from the combustion of a fuel or a solar heat collector.

Recycling

Recycling is the reuse of materials that wastes through composting or leaving private-sector recycling centers, which have already gone through processing. A grass clippings on the lawn rather than keeps unnecessary municipal waste out of variety of goods can be recycled from collection and disposal, the proper landfills. plastics, glass, and aluminum from home disposal of tires and other automotive use to construction materials to home, wastes, curbside recycling and drop off There are no federal laws mandating commercial, and industrial use. stations, removal of hazardous wastes recycling but state and local governments and household appliances, as well as are taking action to promote recycling The Pennsylvania Department of disposal of household appliances and municipal solid waste. Legislation would Environmental Protection reported that metal. not only guide how large companies in the recycling saved over 66 trillion BTUs of waste industry energy, enough to power 643,000 houses Recycling is a $55 billion dollar industry operate but would (2014). Centre County’s Refuse and and according to the U.S. Environmental also open up Recycling Authority (CCRRA) offers Protection Agency. Only 12% of monies entrepreneurial recycling services to Centre County generated from waste disposal is from opportunities for small residents. CCRRA also provides recycling industries. There are business. education on the proper disposal of yard opportunities to increase both public– and  Page 12 Collectively reduce energy consumption Transportation and Energy Conservation Mass Transportation

Mass transportation is a major mass transit by providing commuters traveling into contributor to energy easily accessible public employment centers to leave conservation because it allows transportation to the most their personal vehicles in a large quantities of people to populated regions of Centre parking lot and transfer to a be transported in one trip, County. For rural areas and bus. Such facilities have been reducing the number of on a multicounty scale, the proposed in the Penns Valley vehicle trips. Centre Commute Program, a and Moshannon Valley carpooling program facilitated Region. Recognizing an Multiple-occupancy vehicles by CATA, helps people form increasing need for commuter use less energy than carpools and vanpools services for people living automobiles on a passenger- throughout Centre County and outside of Centre County, mile basis. its 10-county surrounding CATA is collaborating with region. Area Transportation Authority Centre County has mass (ATA) to provide commuter transportation available to its CATA is also pursuing the bus service from Clearfield to residents through the Centre expansion of transportation State College and Altoona. A CATA bus in downtown Area Transportation Authority services to include Park and State College (CATA). CATA promotes Ride stations, which allow

Walkable Communities

Walkable communities foster energy Travel: A Recommended Approach policy conservation by reducing the dependency on statement that integrates bicycling and motorized transportation. In order to achieve walking into transportation infrastructure, an a walkable community, there are policies that approach to “complete streets”. exist to help communities create transportation routes for all modes of travel. Walkable communities allow people to live One technique used to design a walkable and in areas where they can travel BEFORE community policy is called Complete Streets. safely whether on foot, bicycle, or car. A complete street is a street that works for Through proper planning and by incorporating motorists, for bus riders, for bicyclists, and for walkable community techniques, harmful pedestrians, including people with disabilities emissions from automobiles and sprawl can (American Planning Association, 2005). The be reduced by creating communities in which U.S. Department of Transportation people want to live, socialize, and work. implemented Design Guidance Accommodating Bicycle and Pedestrian AFTER

Transit Oriented Development

Transit oriented development provide mass transportation payroll deduction rather than an (TOD) incorporates mass access by situating a bus stop upfront cost from CATA. transportation, non-motorized in subdivisions. Municipalities transportation, a reduction in can provide energy reduction While providing incentives for parking, increased building incentives for developers mass transportation use may density, and mixed-use through mass transportation. work in developed communities, development. Bellefonte Borough reduced new construction can be parking requirements for designed so that mass An environmental benefit to business district apartment transportation is the primary TOD includes reduced traffic buildings when the property means of travel. due to the increase of owner/landlord provided bus transportation amenities other passes to tenants. This was than personal vehicles, which in accomplished by revising the turn, will reduce the average borough’s zoning ordinance. cost of car ownership per year Penn State offers the incentive through reduced fuel and convenience for university consumption. employees who utilize CATA rather than park on campus by Developers are encouraged to paying for the bus pass with  Collectively reduce energy consumption Page 13 Land Use and Energy Conservation

Growth Boundaries and Development Design Regulations

Patterns of development can  vehicle oriented systems In addition to growth storefronts on the first floor affect the manner in which boundaries, planners can and residential/office use in people operate. The way a  vanishing farmland and prevent sprawl through design the higher floors. community is organized can open spaces regulations. These design either cause a surplus in regulations include: In order to reduce air , energy usage or be  commercial strip, big box growth should be regulated to conservative in energy development.  downtown revitalization the main centers consumption. Established and transportation corridors in communities may feel little Sprawling patterns of growth  conservation subdivision mixed use developments. can be done to control the unnecessarily destroy green design (compact design) These growth centers are way development occurs but space and farmland, pollute more sustainable because there are tools available to rivers, streams and other  mixed use allowances. they reduce travel time to facilitate a more sustainable waterways and force us to be places of employment, reduce future. A Growth Boundary is overly dependent on vehicles, Pennsylvania downtowns are the dependence on the a tool that is implemented by a which in turn create air filled with empty store fronts automobile because of the local government in order to pollution. By setting growth as a result of sprawl. By close proximity to amenities, protect farm land, open boundaries, agencies can supporting and participating in and encourage non-motorized spaces, and environmentally ensure proper growth programs, such as the Main transportation because of sensitive areas from threats management and prevent Street Program, communities ease of travel. Compact like sprawl. Sprawl is sprawl by regulating where can return businesses into developments in turn reduce characterized by: development can occur. their downtowns, which are sprawl and keep our open designed for mixed use with spaces open.  low density development

Greenway Plans are a tool that agencies use to identify recreation and conservation corridors. Greenways identify environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands and ridge tops in order to protect them from development. Greenway Much like the agricultural land preservation program that protects farms, the protection of open space through Planning greenways allows plants to reduce carbon dioxide. Greenway plans also identify land or water corridors that can be used as alternative routes of transportation for non-motorized vehicles, such as hiking, biking, or boating.

Agricultural Land Preservation

Agricultural land preservation is beneficial for energy conservation. Centre County participates in Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program and also has a private, non-profit Farmland Trust. Through the protection of farmland, air quality is enhanced from crops that use carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), by photosynthesis and the release of oxygen into the air. The preservation of farms also helps eliminate the potential of sprawl. Large dairy farms have the potential to use manure digesters to generate gas, which in turn can be used to produce electricity. In addition, preserving farms in Centre County provides an available stock of locally grown foods to residents and retailers. Purchasing locally grown foods saves energy by reducing costs and emissions associated with shipping foods over long distances. Energy conservation is just one facet of promoting locally grown and locally produced foods.

When the Triple-Bottom-Line (TBL) model is applied to the American Foodshed, we find social and economic benefits, too. B Page 14 Renewable energy sources

Issue #2. Renewable energy sources, facilities and technologies should be proactively explored and encouraged where best suited for utilization. Why is this an issue?

Renewable energy is generally defined as energy that comes from resources which are naturally replenished on a human timescale such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat. Renewable energy replaces conventional fuels in four distinct areas: electricity generation, hot water/space heating, motor fuels, and rural (off-grid) energy services.

Renewable energy resources emit little or no pollution, are not tied to a specific geographic location (for example, oil fields in the Middle East), and are essentially free or no cost energy sources.

Renewable energy facilities already exist and function in Centre County. Gamesa Incorporated constructed nine wind turbines on the Sandy Ridge at the Taylor Township and Rush Township boundary. Bald Eagle Area School District installed a system at the junior-senior high school. Bellefonte and Bald Eagle School Districts had solar panels installed on the high schools’ rooftops. To the west in Clearfield County the plant now operates under a new company, Pennsylvania Grain Processing, which is revitalizing the 10 MMgy facility. Each of these renewable energy sources are sited in the most favorable location and are scaled appropriately for the site.

However, renewable energy sources are not widely used—in the United States, in Pennsylvania or in Centre County. Renewable energy sources account for approximately 9% of all consumed nationwide. Therefore, the U.S. is consuming fossil-fuels, primarily petroleum products, natural gas and coal. Exploring renewable energy sources scaled and used locally is an opportunity to explore. B Renewable energy sources Page 15 Wind speeds in Pennsylvania

Wind energy development captures the natural wind in operators. Utility facilities require wind Wind speeds in Centre County our atmosphere and converts it into speeds of 300 Watts per square meter then electricity. (W/ m2) or greater. According to the National Renewable People started using wind power Energy Laboratory (NREL), wind speeds centuries ago with windmills; today's wind Community wind facilities: require wind across Centre County are sufficient for all turbine is a highly evolved version of a speeds between 200 and 300 W/ m2 three classifications of facility windmill. Modern wind turbines harness and the power generated is shared development. An analysis of the wind wind's and convert it into among local end-users. Community class data for Centre County identified a electricity. Energy generated from wind facilities are unique in that energy is few areas suitable for utility wind farms power is clean, non-polluting, and readily generated and utilized locally. and more areas for community and available. distributed wind farms. Distributed wind facilities: small-scale There are three classifications of wind wind facilities are generally for residential energy facilities: utility, community, and or commercial use. Small scale wind distributed or small-scale. facilities operate at wind speeds 200 W/ m2 or greater and, are installed on top of Utility wind facilities: turbines are a tower, at least 300 feet away from developed with electricity delivered to the obstacles. power grid and distributed to the end user by electric utilities or power system B Page 16 Renewable energy sources Wind speeds in Pennsylvania (continued from page 15)

Development concerns and planning

All of the areas with wind speed high enough for utility wind farms are located on ridge tops. Ridge tops are protected in some municipalities under ordinances and are noted as important natural features contributing to the county’s view shed. As a result, plans for utility scale wind farms must be reviewed carefully.

However, other municipalities have adopted wind energy overlay districts into their zoning ordinances. Development of any should not be completed without the consideration of placement, particularly in the vicinity of residential areas and areas of large, contiguous tracks of wildlife habitat. The two major criticisms of wind energy facilities is noise generated by rotating turbine blades and the potential to interrupt migratory birds. Wind energy development efforts https://uages.blogspot.com In 2011, Gamesa LLC constructed nine wind turbines on the Sandy Ridge in Rush and Taylor Townships. The Potential and cost Wind Farms in Pennsylvania Gamesa wind facility is a utility-scale, where electricity generated is sent to the Wind power has the potential to supply Somerset County has the most number power grid. power to 6% of homes across the state, of wind farms across the Commonwealth whereas currently on 1.5% are supplied where elevation and wind speeds are Penn State and Turbine with wind-generated electricity. The cost more favorable for harvesting wind- Technology per kilowatt hour and capital investments generated power. have steadily declined as technology and Penn State is home to a major Vertical siting new facilities improves. Lift Research Center of Excellence (VLRCOE, also “ Rotorcraft Center”), one of only two in the U.S. Led by the Department of Aerospace Engineering, with partners in the Applied Research Laboratory and the Composites Manufacturing Technology Center, VLRCOE researchers develop rotary-wing vehicle technology that is very relevant to wind energy systems. For more information, go to http:// www.wind.psu.edu/research/default.asp. Economics of Wind Power

There are 28 manufacturing facilities that produce wind-industry facility components in Pennsylvania. In 2013, nearly 2,000 direct and indirect jobs statewide were related to the wind- industry. http://www.pennfuture.org/UserFiles/Image/Map_WindFarms10.png B Renewable energy sources Page 17 Solar energy as resource in Pennsylvania

Solar energy development

Solar energy or energy from the sun, is passive solar heating. process of absorption is achievable by using free, clean, and readily available. thermal building material.

Energy from the sun can be captured in Variations of Passive two ways: passively and actively. Passive solar power systems require very few equipment or special  Orienting new construction to capture Passive solar energy expenditures. There is need to orient sunlight and use it directly; house windows southwards and insulate Passive solar energy occurs when a window panes with material that can  Sunlight absorbed first and then indi- building is oriented to take full absorb enough sunlight to make the rectly used for different processes; advantage of the sun’s rays as a thermal phenomenon more effective. To collector. Passive solar building design increase the passive solar power  Transferring heat to the area and then uses a structure's windows, walls, and performance, decrease the wind recycled again for heating water again floors to collect, store, and distribute the passage so that trapped amount of heat using water pills (or air). sun's heat in the winter and reject solar should not be lost. heat in the summer. It can also Continued on page 18... maximize the use of sunlight for interior illumination. A more effect way to heat the home is Passive solar power is also known as by allowing absorption of energy. This B Page 18 Renewable energy sources Solar energy as resource in Pennsylvania (continued from page 17)

Advantages and disadvantages of Passive Solar Power Passive Solar  No carbon emissions  Passive system can both heat and provide electricity  Potential lack of privacy due to large windows and ventilators. Active solar energy Active solar energy occurs when a thermal component is added to the structure. The that results can be used for heating homes and businesses or the heat can be converted into mechanical energy to produce electricity using photovoltaic (PV) cells to concentrate the solar power. PV or solar cells can be mounted in a variety of sizes and applications are currently being integrated into building materials such as PV tiles, which replace conventional roofing shingles. An active solar energy method is used stores solar energy. Variations of Active Solar Power http://www.iklimnet.com/save/eco_images/indirectgain.gif Active solar energy is obtained either by air or by water. Both mediums are exposed to the sunlight to be heated. Active Solar: This heat either trapped in liquid or air containers. After trapping heat it is passed on to drive a device directly or to generator for storage of electricity to supply it locally. Roof-mount Heat trapped in air or liquid containers is distributed panels further using fans or . Active solar energy is more energy efficient than passive solar . Heat is stored and mechanically or electrically supply to the house to meet energy demand using an active system. Considerations  Air or water based active solar systems have their own feasibilities.  If the system is going to serve heating, electricity, or both.  Size and scale of the system to support the total energy demands of the household or is a back up system needed.  Solar energy could serve as a back up source. Potential Harnessing solar power in Pennsylvania shows moderate promise at various locations. On average, the amount of power that can be captured using active solar power technology is between 300 and 400 watt hours/sq. ft./ day. In other words, a 100,000 square foot solar panel system constructed anywhere in the state has the Active Solar: potential to supply electricity to approximately 900 to 1,000 homes. Ground-mount panels B Renewable energy sources Page 19 Available biomass in Pennsylvania

Biomass Energy are any fuel that is derived from thermochemical processes. These the ethanol may be detrimental to organic material called biomass made include ethanol, , , water quality due to high amounts of from plants or animals. The energy in biocrude, and methane. fertilizer needed to grow the plants biomass can be accessed directly from and potential for higher amounts of the organic source or by turning the raw Ethanol, the most widely used nitrogen runoff. materials of the feedstock, such as starch today, is a clear, colorless liquid, also and cellulose, into a usable form. known as ethyl alcohol or grain alcohol Cellulosic ethanol, on the other hand, Biofuels differ from fossil fuels in that that is produced from starch- and sugar- can be safer for the environment than biofuels are derived from recent based feedstock such as corn, grain, corn ethanol because cellulosic ethanol biological material. Fossil fuels are sugar cane, or cellulosic feedstock. sources require less or no cultivation. created from organic material that existed Ethanol is found to work well in internal Cellulosic ethanol can be produced from millions of years ago. Biofuels are also combustion engines as a high-octane perennial grasses, the debris left after considered a renewable energy source fuel and when blended with gasoline, timber is cut, agricultural crop residues, unlike fossil fuels because the crop and corn ethanol is found to reduce air all of which are readily available in animal products used to produce biofuels pollution by up to 52% and cellulosic Centre County. These available are renewed or replanted on an annual or ethanol by up to 86% (U.S. DOE, 2008). resources, and the proximity of Centre biennial basis. County to east coast energy markets While ethanol is shown to be safer for make cellulosic ethanol production a Transportation fuels are made from the environment than traditional fuel viable potential industry locally. biomass through biochemical or sources, the crops grown to produce B Page 20 Renewable energy sources

Available biomass in Pennsylvania (continued from page 19)

Considering the rate of growth of the population, the use of biofuels alone for energy conservation is not a viable option for the sustainability of the environment. Without the use of Best Management Practices, biofuel production can cause more harm than good, particularly from corn ethanol production.

The use of cellulosic ethanol, as opposed to corn ethanol, can be accomplished without the destruction of forests because the biomass used is available without planting.

Increased corn ethanol production may require the taking of carbon-rich forests in order to allow more space for corn cultivation. Centre County should encourage the use of biofuels, but in a manner that sustains communities.

In addition to ethanol, biomass can be used as a heating fuel when manufactured into pellets.

The next trend with biofuel production is the Integrated Biorefinery, a facility that can process multi-types of biomass. A crucial step in developing the U.S. bioindustry is to establish first-of-a-kind integrated biorefineries that are capable of efficiently converting a broad range of biomass feedstocks into commercially viable biofuels, biopower, and other bioproducts. Integrated biorefineries are http://smartenergypa.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/biodiesel-natural-production- similar to conventional refineries in that cycle.gif they produce a range of products to optimize both the use of feedstocks and production economics.

The nearest biorefinery to Centre County is located in the neighboring County of Clearfield. The Pennsylvania Grain Processing LLC facility (photo, right) produces ethanol and DDGS (dry distillers grain with solubles).

Biomass is considered an input to the natural biodiesel production cycle (graphic, top).

The Pennsylvania Grain Processing LLC facility in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. B Renewable energy sources Page 21 Ground-source energy

A geothermal heat or ground uses a high temperature heat source to heating and cooling requirements of any source (GSHP) is a central generate electricity. structure. heating and/or cooling system that transfers heat to or from the ground. Setup costs are higher than for Unlike wind, solar or biomass, the conventional systems, but the difference potential for using ground-source energy It uses the earth as a heat source (in the is usually returned in energy savings in is nearly equal across all of Pennsylvania winter) or a heat sink (in the summer). 3 to 10 years, and even shorter lengths and in Centre County; the same would This design takes advantage of the of time with federal, state and utility tax not be true if we were discussing moderate temperatures in the ground to credits and incentives. Several major authentic . Because boost efficiency and reduce the design options are available for GSHPs, geothermal energy is not as viable in operational costs of heating and cooling which are classified by fluid and layout. Centre County nor Pennsylvania systems, and may be combined with Systems are: (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, solar heating to form a geosolar system 2013), we will discuss the ground-source with even greater efficiency.  Direct exchange systems heat pumps.

Ground source heat pumps are also  Closed loop systems known as "geothermal heat pumps" although, strictly, the heat does not  Open loop systems. come primarily from the Earth, but from the Sun. The engineering and scientific The chart on page 22 provides a brief communities prefer the terms overview of "geoexchange" or "ground source heat styles (Department of Energy, 2014). pumps" to avoid confusion with As always, heating systems must be traditional , which designed to accommodate the space B Page 22 Renewable energy sources

Ground-source energy (continued from page 21)

Direct Exchange GSHPs Closed Loop GSHPs Open Loop GSHPs  Oldest type  Newer type  Newest type

 Single loop, circulating refrigerant  2 loops (1 with refrigerant and 1 with  2 loops where the water source loop water and antifreeze) pumps water from a well or body of  Direct thermal contact with ground water  Needs heat exchangers between  No fluid-earth interaction both loops and pumps in both loops  Supply and return system

 Not as popular  Gaining popularity  Water is returned to a separate injection well, trench, or water body  Still very efficient and lower  More efficient in moist to wet soils installation costs  Usually more efficient than closed  Can be installed vertically or loop systems BUT has been  75% reduction in emissions horizontally, depending on land area. outlawed by many jurisdictions; local building codes need to be referenced  Reduces carbon dioxide and nitrogen  More efficient in colder temperatures prior to installation due to potential emissions than direct exchange systems groundwater contamination.

Fairly standard in design. Four (4) designs: vertical, horizontal, Two (2) designs: standard and standing radial or directional drilled, and pond. column well.

Table information: American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (2014). B Renewable energy sources Page 23 Objective for

Renewable energy sources

Promote energy conservation by encouraging the use of renewable energy sources (wind, solar, biomass, and ground source) in areas of the county most favorable to using these resources.

GOALS & STRATEGIES

GOAL: Ensure that renewable energy facilities are sited in the most favorable location in order to maximize the energy source potential, and develop guidelines that mitigate nuisances and environmental impacts associated with these renewable resources.

STRATEGIES:

 Identify and map the most and the least appropriate areas for renewable energy development, overlaying this data with environmentally sensitive areas, important habitats, utility corridors, and residential developments.

 Identify potential conflict areas and apply mitigation guidelines, if the location is primarily favorable for renewable energy development.

 Develop model zoning ordinance language for each of the renewable energy sources that municipalities could incorporate and adopt into their own zoning ordinances.

GOAL: Encourage incentives to developers who incorporate renewable energy resources into site designs.

STRATEGY: Explore tax credit or tax abatement programs for solar panels, geothermal heat systems, and on-site wind turbines.

GOAL: Encourage biomass production where it is the most appropriate to harvest, but restrict biomass production where production cannot occur.

STRATEGY: Locate and inventory land that is viable for biomass production, both agriculture and forest lands.

J Page 24 Energy independence

Issue #3. Communities should be encouraged to explore energy independence projects through a combination of energy reduction and renewable energy sources.

Community-wide energy conservation efforts SEDA-COG’s Energy Resource Center (http://erc.sedacog.org)

The Energy Resource Center is a branch of SEDA-Council of Governments Data collected for Millheim (as of April 2015) dedicated to the development of the region as a center for efficient and Percent of surveyed Millheim residents who renewable energy technology and have already increased their homes energy expertise. Its joint goals are to retain the efficiency prior to the energy project region’s quality of life while enhancing its economy and to reduce the energy-related costs of its residents, businesses and local governments. The community-wide Other CFL light energy independence approach 9% bulbs encourages citizens, businesses, and 13% local governments are taking steps to HVAC identify and reduce their energy use and 10% appliances explore opportunities for renewable energy event though the practice is not yet 24% widespread. More insulation Renewing Millheim’s Energy 20% Independence Project: The project will New first identify Millheim’s energy usage and windows then facilitate energy conservation for 24% residents, businesses, schools, and public agencies within the community. The over- all project goals include assisting the Primary homes heating fuel for surveyed entire community to achieve greater Millheim residents energy independence through community- 28 wide energy conservation and the exploration of opportunities to implement cost-effective energy from locally-derived alternative sources. The two-year project 20 will include door-to-door surveys to collect information regarding residents’ interest in the project, homeowners and renters who have made energy efficient upgrades, and 10 the primary type of heating fuel being 7 used. Base data provided by Centre 4 4 County Government’s GIS (geographic information system) containing fuel 0 0 0 source and heating system type per property was critical to surveyors.

Ultimately, this project will be replicable in other Centre County communities. J

Energy independence Page 25 Objective for

Community energy independence

Encourage and promote both energy conservation and energy efficiency practices that are aligned with incorporating renewable energy sources for county and local government, business and industry, and homeowners.

GOALS & STRATEGIES

GOAL: Continue to research energy conservation and energy efficiency practices for county-owned buildings.

STRATEGIES:

 Determine if a natural gas-fired combined heat and power generation unit is feasible and cost-effective, based on current electricity prices and peak power demands, for the county’s buildings.

 Identify and implement small-scale energy conservation practices, such as an automatic shut-down of non- emergency computers; inspecting windows for cracks, broken seals, and air leaks; reviewing/resetting overnight building temperatures in common areas; and promote a ride share program for county workers.

GOAL: Assist municipalities move towards energy conservation and efficiency practices for municipal-owned buildings, property, vehicles, and employees.

STRATEGIES:

 Encourage municipalities to adopt green building principals for new construction or green retrofitting principals for building renovations.

 Encourage municipalities to purchase alternative or dual-fuel vehicles.

 Promote the same conservation practices as identified by the county.

GOAL: Collaborate with the Chamber of Business and Industry to promote energy efficiency and conservation practices for industries and businesses.

STRATEGY: Provide the Chamber with information on financing energy conservation and efficiency practices and the available funding mechanisms (grants, loans) or tax incentives.

Page 26 Energy Conservation Interrelationships Recent revisions to the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code specify that a comprehensive plan include a statement of interrelationships among various plan components with emphasis given to environmental, energy conservation, fiscal, economic development and social impacts. Additional information of relevance to this discussion as it relates to energy conservation can also be found in other 2003 Centre County Comprehensive Plan Chapter Updates titled: Agriculture, Economic Development, Historic Resources, Housing, and Land Use; and in the newly completed Centre County Greenways Plan.

Environmental Impacts

 Walkable communities decrease the need for motorized trans- tions. Partnerships such as the PA Wind and Wildlife Collabo- portation and therefore decrease pollutants to the air. rative exist to assess risk to wildlife caused by wind facilities in order to mitigate for the impact caused by these facilities.  Using green building techniques encourages the recycling of building materials, which reduces the amount of refuse depos-  The production of biofuels helps to clean streams through the ited in landfills. absorption of nutrients and the stabilization of sediment through root systems of certain biomass plants.  The prevention of sprawl will help prevent environmental im- pacts caused by linear growth patterns. These impacts in-  The use of biofuels as opposed to traditional gasoline also clude loss of wildlife habitat, , and helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. decline of water quality.

 Wind energy facilities have shown to have an adverse impact on certain species of wildlife, particularly bird and bat popula-

Fiscal

 Energy conservation practices will reduce the dependence on foreign oil, reduce electricity costs to businesses and homeowners through the use of alternative/renewable forms of energy and efficient homes.

 Automobile maintenance costs are reduced by promoting non-motorized methods of transportation.

 Building construction and rehabilitation costs can go down through the use of renewable and recycled construction materials that are more durable and may need replaced less often.

 Green design practices tend to be more expensive in design and construction, but the long-term cost may be less than traditional practices during the lifetime of the building.

Economic Development

 Solar, wind, biomass energy generation facilities can create jobs.

 Walkable and mixed use communities provide convenience for residents and a concentration of potential consumers and busi- nesses in close proximity thereby increasing businesses viability.

 Preventing sprawl can keep housing costs lower and reduce vehicle miles traveled, which allows for residents to have more in- come.

Social / Community Development

 Walkable communities facilitate a healthier lifestyle by encouraging people to walk or bike instead of relying solely on their automo- bile.

 Walkable communities also create a sense of community and engage interaction among neighbors.

 Wind energy facilities, if not properly sited, can impact nearby residents with sound and sight annoyances. In retrospect, some have considered the turbines visibly appealing. Centre County Comprehensive Plan — Phase II Implementation Strategies Page 27 Resources Federal

 Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program: Established under the USDA Farm Security and Ru- ral Investment Act of 2002, funds grants and loan guarantees to agricultural producers and rural small business for assistance with purchasing renewable energy systems and making energy efficiency improvements.  Federal-Level Investment Tax Credit (ITC): The ITC, written into law through the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, is available to homeowners who install residential small wind turbine systems from Oct. 3, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2016. The tax credit is for 30% of the cost of the system, up to $500 for each half kilowatt of capacity with an overall maximum of $4,000.

State: Dept. of Environmental Protection and Dept. of Community & Economic Development

Alternative and Clean Energy Program Keystone HELP Energy Efficiency three years to help pay for the incremental provides financial assistance in the form of Program provides low interest rate loans purchase and conversion costs of heavy- grant and loan funds that will be used by to Pennsylvania residents for energy duty natural gas fleet vehicles (NGVs). eligible applicants for the utilization, efficiency improvements to their homes, Grants are made available from money development and construction of including the installation of energy-efficient deposited in the Marcellus Legacy Fund. alternative and clean energy projects in heating and systems, The objective is to increase the use of Pennsylvania. DCED. geothermal systems, insulation and air domestically produced natural gas and sealing, and more. DEP. realize both economic and environmental Vehicle Rebate benefits through the increase in the Program provides rebates to consumers Municipal Recycling Program Grants number of NVG’s operating in the for the purchase of new, non-leased, were developed to assist municipalities commonwealth. DEP. plug-in hybrid, plug-in electric, natural gas, and counties for developing and propane and vehicles. implementing recycling programs. Recycling Performance Grants awards DEP. Recycling is mandated in municipalities local government based on the tons of with more than 10,000 residents and recycled materials and rate of recycling. those with between 5,000 and DEP. Alternative Fuels Incentive Grants 10,000 that have population densities offers funding for clean, alternative fuel greater than 300 people per square mile. Renewable Energy Program for projects in Pennsylvania and investment DEP. Geothermal and Wind Projects provides in Pennsylvania’s energy sector. The financial assistance in the forms of grant primary goals of the grant is to improve PA Energy Development Authority and loan funds to promote the use of air quality and reduce consumption of provides grants, loan guarantees for alternative energy in Pennsylvania. imported oil through the use of alternative energy projects and related DECD. homegrown alternative fuels that will help research referring to deployment projects, the state's economy and environment. manufacturing or research involving the Small Business Advantage Grant was DEP. following types of fuels, technologies or measures: solar energy; wind; low-impact created to provide assistance to small County Recycling Coordinator Grants: ; geothermal; biologically businesses to incorporate pollution provides reimbursement of 50 percent of derived methane gas, including landfill prevention or energy-efficient equipment county recycling coordinator salaries and gas; biomass; fuel cells; coal-mine or processes to increase the small expenses. DEP. methane; waste coal; integrated business's competitiveness while combined cycle, and; demand simultaneously improving the environment Environmental Education Grants of Pennsylvania residents. DEP. Program was developed to support and management measures, including strengthen environmental education in recycled energy and , Solar Energy Program provides financial Pennsylvania. The grants were energy efficiency and load management. assistance in the forms of grants and loan established by the Environmental Pennsylvania Natural Gas Energy funds to promote the use of alternative Education Act of 1993 and mandate that Development Program: Act 13 of 2011 energy in the Commonwealth. DCED. five percent of all pollution fines and provided for the establishment of the penalties DEP collects annually be set Natural Gas Energy Development aside for environmental education. DEP. Program, providing up to $20 million over

Local  SEDA-Council of Governments: The Energy Resource Center (ERC) provides comprehensive outreach, training, and technical assistance to catalyze the adoption of efficient and renewable energy technologies in their 11-county region. SEDA-COG offers free analysis of home heating and electric bills and an Energy Assessment for $350. The Energy Assessment is conducted by a SEDA-COG energy technician using and infrared technologies, combined with personal inspection. Page 28

2016 Centre County Planning Opportunities

Prepared by: Centre County Planning and Community Development Office 420 Holmes Street

Phone: 814-355-6791 Fax: 814-355-8661

F IND THIS INFORMATION ON THE WEB HTTP://WWW.CENTRECOUNTYPA.GOV

Leveraging renewable energy project financing (http://www.greenrhinoenergy.com/finance/renewable/ finance_structures.php)

Financing renewable energy Utility Company Finance projects can be done by a sole financier, for example a utility Structure company (top graphic) or a homeowner (bottom graphic). Other financing mechanisms include a mix of investors and developers with options to lease renewable energy equipment and share joint ownership. More details regarding these financing models can be found at the web link above:

 Sale Before or Sale After Construction

 Investor Ownership Flip

Homeowner Finance  Leveraged Ownership Flip Structure  Back Leveraged Structure

 Leveraged Lease