FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 19, 2007
NEW STATE PLAN SETS GOALS FOR REDUCING ENERGY COSTS,
CURBING POLLUTION AND ADDRESSING GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Renewable Energy Sources Are
Called the Keys to Achieving Economic and Environmental Goals
Governor Eliot Spitzer and Lt. Governor David A. Paterson today announced a comprehensive plan for reducing energy costs and curbing pollution in New York.
The plan focuses on energy efficiency, conservation, and investment in renewable energy sources as the keys to achieving economic and environmental goals.
"No where is the need for a creative new approach more apparent than in our energy sector," Spitzer said. "We have some of the highest electricity costs in the nation and our thinking on energy policy is as outmoded as our aging power plants."
"But we can make real progress toward economic and environmental goals with a comprehensive program that focuses on energy efficiency and conservation, and investment in new technology."
Goals and highlights of the new plan include the following:
- Reduce electricity use by 15 percent from forecasted levels by the year 2015 through new energy efficiency programs in industry and government;
- Create new appliance efficiency standards and set more rigorous energy building codes;
- Invest $295 million for renewable energy projects throughout the state; and
- Propose power plant siting legislation that creates an expedited review process for new wind power projects, re-powering projects that reduce emissions, and other power plants that have very low levels of carbon dioxide emissions.
In a related action, Lt. Governor Paterson has announced that he will be touring the state this month to inspect current renewable energy facilities and reporting on how this vital industry can be expanded.
The overall plan – which is believed to be among the most aggressive in the nation -- was met with broad approval from the energy industry and environmental organizations:
Chairman and CEO of KeySpan Energy Corp., Robert Catell said: “As the lead policy maker for New York, Governor Spitzer is correctly addressing a critical issue. We must use less energy. And the energy/utility industry, which maintains relationships with New York's consumers, must be part of the solution.”
Air and Energy Program Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, Ashok Gupta said: “Energy efficiency is the key to meeting our energy needs, lowering consumer bills, making New York more competitive and reducing global warming pollution. Governor Spitzer's commitment to energy efficiency will make New York the benchmark against which all other states will be measured.”
The full text of the Governor’s speech is available at www.ny.gov/governor.
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