Paterson Announces New Energy Agenda to Stimulate Economy, Create Jobs

New York Energy Plan a Model for New Administration in Washington
ALBANY (January 7, 2009) –  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.”