Kansas and Iowa have both unveiled energy plans aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop clean power sources.
Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius recently announced the legislative components of a comprehensive plan that includes:
- Instituting a net metering program to allow Kansans to generate their own electricity and sell the excess to utilities.
- Codification of Kansas’ existing voluntary Renewable Portfolio Standard.
- Requiring that new or extended state leases for real property and state-owned real property meet energy efficiency standards.
- A modification of legislation to attract and expand wind related manufacturing investment.
The Kansas Legislature convened for the 2009 Legislative Session on Monday, January 12th.
“It’s time we take the next step toward a clean energy future. That’s why we have developed a vision for a comprehensive energy plan, which will include key legislative efforts. Those efforts are based on three principles: create renewable energy jobs and attract businesses; promote the generation of clean, renewable energy; and lead the way in energy efficiency efforts in state buildings,” Sebelius said, echoing sentiments expressed by president-elect Barack Obama on the federal level.
Iowa Options
A state-mandated council in Iowa has proposed two greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction scenarios and 56 policy options in a 469-page final report to the governor and general assembly.
The 23-member Climate Change Advisory Council, along with four state assemblymen and numerous technical advisors, studied more than 300 policy options before coming to its conclusions.
The two scenarios are: 50% cutback from 2005 emissions by 2050, with interim goals of 1% by 2012 and 11% by 2020; and 90% cutback from 2005 emissions by 2050, with interim goals of 3% by 2012 and 22% by 2020.
The council said if all 56 strategies are carried out, the 90% cutback scenario can be met. The options promote energy efficiency, use of fuels and practices that pollute less, and development of new technologies that reduce or do not contribute to GHG emissions.
The council’s decisions were based on an Iowa GHG emissions inventory and forecast developed by the Center for Climate Strategies.
Iowa’s state legislature is expected to debate the two scenarios in the session that began this month.
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