January, 07 2009, 12:32pm EDT
Paterson Announces New Energy Agenda to Stimulate Economy, Create Jobs
New York Energy Plan a Model for New Administration in Washington
ALBANY
In his State of the State speech today, Governor Paterson
announced a comprehensive energy agenda that will reduce pollution,
spur job growth and further propel New York forward as a leader in
clean energy investment.
Paterson's clean energy commitments to New Yorkers include:
- Mandating 30 percent of New York's energy come from renewable sources by 2015.
- Making energy efficiency investments that will reduce New York's "business as usual" energy consumption by 15 percent 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.
Below is a statement from Peter Lehner, executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC):
"Governor
Paterson's announcement today unlocks the door to a new energy economy
for New York. He's using smart energy policy to spur job growth and
economic revitalization, reduce pollution and put us on a path toward
energy independence and stability.
"New
York recognizes that your can stimulate the economy by investing in
smart energy strategies that will protect consumers' pocketbooks and
health. 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.
"And
Paterson's approach shows that you can tackle today's energy crisis,
while also planning for the future. He's taking steps that will
provide New Yorkers with clean energy now, as well as keep us at the
forefront of new technologies as they emerge.
"It
is important that the Governor quickly follow up with appointments and
directives to the Department of Public Service, New York Power
Authority, Long Island Power Authority and NYSERDA to achieve these
crucial objectives.
"Governor
Paterson has shown great leadership today by setting forth laudable
goals on energy, as well as other important environmental issues, and
we look forward to working with him to accomplish these ambitious
plans."
NRDC works to safeguard the earth--its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. We combine the power of more than three million members and online activists with the expertise of some 700 scientists, lawyers, and policy advocates across the globe to ensure the rights of all people to the air, the water, and the wild.
(212) 727-2700LATEST NEWS
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