The Pennsylvania Conservative Energy Forum (PennCEF) has commenced operations as an organization comprising conservative individuals, organizations and businesses who want the state to develop an all-of-the-above, diversified energy portfolio that places an emphasis on increasing clean, renewable and efficient energy sources.
PennCEF believes that a diversified energy portfolio will create jobs, increase economic investment in the state, conserve natural resources, protect the grid and national security, and position Pennsylvania as a leader in energy development for decades to come.
The PennCEF leadership council members include as follows:
- Chad Forcey, executive director of PENNCEF;
- John Easoz, president of Solar PV Consulting and CEO of Direct Gain Consulting LLC;
- Tom Stevenson, partner at Green Roads Solar Energy / Iceburgh Associates;
- Rev. Mitch Hescox, president and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network;
- Ron Gdovic, president and CEO of WINDSTAX Inc.;
- Brian Kennedy, senior vice president for operations and government affairs at the Pittsburgh Technology Council;
- David Jason, partner at Green Roads Solar Energy / Iceburgh Associates;
- Mark DeSantis, CEO of RoadBotics; and
- Jim Seif, consultant and board member at BioChem Technology Inc.
Executive director Forcey, a seasoned conservative grassroots leader in Pennsylvania, argues that support for a diverse energy portfolio is hardly a new concept for conservatives.
“Historically, conservatives have led our country’s efforts to protect and preserve our natural resources,” Forcey says. “When it comes to the energy debate, the issue has become polarizing and often dominated by the left. We founded PennCEF because we believe an all-of-the-above approach to energy policy is key to the future success of our state, nation and world.”
Forcey says the group’s members respect the historic role played by oil and petroleum in Pennsylvania’s economy but also feel a responsibility to address a changing world with conservative values based in faith, economic growth, innovation and free-market principles.
PennCEF seeks to be a forum for individuals, organizations and businesses to join the conservative conversation about the state’s energy future to pursue a diversified energy portfolio. The group plans to educate the public and policymakers on the economics, reliability and affordability of clean energy while serving as a voice for conservative solutions and ratepayer protection.
