Manufacturers and other businesses have a legitimate gripe in pointing out that they weren't consulted regarding a new energy mandate that was signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell on Nov. 30. According to the Pennsylvania Manufacturers' Association, the mandate will increase energy costs to an unknown degree.

The manufacturers group said the agreement was hammered out by the Rendell administration, Environmental Protection Secretary Katie McGinty and utility lobbyists. The mandate requires energy companies to derive 18 percent of their energy from "alternative" sources, such as wind and solar power, creating a "Renewable Energy Portfolio."

While the thinking behind the agreement seems sound, it is troubling that the accord was derived without seeking formal input from such a big interest directly affected by what was being drawn up. Of course, considering the way business is conducted in Harrisburg - by Republicans as well as Democrats - what happened in this instance cannot be regarded as a big surprise.

Manufacturers are right in saying they were blindsided. Their input into the issue was as important as the other participants'.

- J.R.K.