Paterson says New York will reduce ghg emissions 80%

©Mark Butkus

Governor David Paterson signed an executive order today that establishes a goal to reduce 80 percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the state by 2050. The executive order also creates a climate change council.

The 80 percent reduction in GHG from 1990 levels is the same number and time frame that the G8 countries agreed to at its July meeting in Italy. These distant targets were also agreed to by the House of Representatives in passing the ACES bill last month.

Governor Paterson's executive order ensures that New York State will remain in the forefront of climate change initiatives that lead to energy and GHG reductions. The executive order builds on many goals and programs that have been enacted in the last two years to mitigate climate change.

The State is still committed to reducing its total electricity consumption to 15 percent below projected levels by 2015 and the "45 x 15" inititaive. The latter has a target to meet 45 percent of New York State's electricity needs through a combination of renewable energy applications and energy efficiency measures.

Going forward, the executive order creates a Climate Action Council with the Director of State Operations serving as the Chair. The Coucil will prepare a draft Climate Action Plan by September 30, 2010 that will assess the progress and ways to achieve the Governor's stated GHG reduction targets.

The Council will consist of the Commissioners of Agriculture and Markets, Economic Development, Environmental Conservation, Housing and Community Renewal, and Transportation; the Chairs of the Public Service Commission, and Metropolitan Transportation Authority; the Presidents of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, Long Island Power Authority, New York Power Authority and Dormitory Authority of the State of New York; the Secretary of State; the Director of the Budget; the Director of State Operations; and the Counsel to the Governor.