Governor David Paterson of New York today issued Executive Order No. 24 of 2009 (the “Order”), which sets a statewide “goal” for reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 80% below 1990 levels by the year 2050. The reduction goal is voluntary, according to a state environmental official who spoke to the New York Times.
More immediately, to help reach the emissions reduction goal the Order calls for the creation of a Climate Action Plan, which will be prepared by the newly-formed Climate Action Council (the “Council”). The Council is made up of representatives from a variety of state agencies and authorities.
In developing the Climate Action Plan, the Council is required to take an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions within the state, identify actions to reduce emissions “across all economic sectors,” as well as identify “existing legal, regulatory and policy constraints” to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, assessing the impacts of climate change, and adapting to climate change. The draft Climate Action Plan is due by September 30, 2010, and will be followed by at least 60 days for public comment.
For more detail, access the full text of Executive Order here, and read more at Green, Inc.
Update: New York State has also released a Draft New York State Energy Plan
