Gov. David A. Paterson, D-N.Y., has signed Executive Order No. 24 setting a goal to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in New York state by 80% below the levels emitted in 1990 by the year 2050.
The Executive Order also creates a Climate Action Council with a directive to prepare a draft Climate Action Plan by Sept. 30, 2010. The Climate Action Plan will assess how all economic sectors can reduce GHG emissions and adapt to climate change, as well as identify the extent to which such actions support New York's goals for a clean energy economy.
‘By taking action, we send a signal that New Yorkers will do our share to address the climate crisis, and we will do it in a way that creates opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship to flourish,’ says Paterson. ‘One way we will achieve this goal is by focusing our efforts on a clean energy economy that will create jobs for New Yorkers.’
The Executive Order requires that the Climate Action Council hold regional public comment hearings on the draft plan and allow at least 60 days for the submission of written public comment. Thereafter, the council shall prepare a final plan, which shall be reviewed and, if warranted, adjusted annually by the council.
SOURCE: Office of Gov. David A. Paterson
