In his State of the State speech yesterday, New York Governor Paterson announced a comprehensive energy agenda to reduce pollution, spur renewable energy jobs growth and further propel the state as a leader in clean energy investment.
He said that despite what he called the worst economic crisis since the Depression, "This is no time for fear. This is a time for action and a time for courage."
Paterson’s clean energy commitments include:
- Committing the state to a goal of meeting 45% of its electricity needs through energy efficiency and renewable energy sources by 2015.
- Making energy efficiency investments that will reduce New York’s "business as usual" energy consumption by 15% by 2015.
- Using the proceeds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and other sources to create green jobs and lower consumer energy bills by promoting energy efficiency.
- Committing to coordinating and accelerating research in renewable technologies through the creation of the Battery Research Consortium to explore hybrid plug-in technology, as well as a New York Energy Policy Institute.
"This is a superb plan that can serve as a model for the Obama administration as they begin to build a new national energy policy," Peter Lehner, executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), said.
Paterson also called for a ban on trans fats in restaurants and requiring chains to list the calories in their offerings, in an effort to curb obesity.
In related News…
New York environmental regulators adopted stricter air pollution rules on Tuesday to prevent power plants and factories from belching out more smog and soot. The rules take effect in March.
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I applaud Gov Paterson’s efforts to keep focus and advance this agenda during this turbulent time. I hope Pres Elect Obama follow this lead.
I hope Gov. Paterson follows through. Yes, the Federal Government should set similar goals for each of it’s departments and agencies.