New York Prioritizes Energy Efficiency

In an effort to prioritize energy efficiency, the governor of New York recently issued an executive order which mandates that state agencies purchase at least 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2005, and 20 percent by 2010.

By Staff July 23, 2001

In an effort to prioritize energy efficiency, the governor of New York recently issued an executive order which mandates that state agencies purchase at least 10 percent of their energy from renewable sources by 2005, and 20 percent by 2010.

In addition, the governor announced the formation of the New York State Greenhouse Gas Task Force—a group of representatives from the private sector, government agencies, environmental groups and universities charged with the mission of developing policy recommendations for greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.

This winter, the group’s recommendations will be considered for inclusion in the state’s energy plan.

“I am committed to positioning New York State as a national leader on the critically important issues of reducing greenhouse gases,” said Governor George E. Pataki. “In addition to creating this important new Task Force, I also urge the federal government to immediately take action to further reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury and carbon dioxide.”

In another initiative, a newer draft of regulations for a New York State green building tax credit is currently being reviewed. If adopted, the initiative would require new office buildings to be 45 percent more efficient than state energy code requirements, and retrofitted buildings to be 35 percent more efficient.