Earth Equity News

New York Governor Sets Emissions Goals. By Kate Galbraith, NYTimes, August 6, 2009. "New York Gov. David A. Paterson signed an executive order on Thursday creating a goal of reducing the state's greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent (as compared with 1990 levels) by 2050. The governor is also creating a climate action council, including the heads of major state agencies and other entities like the Long Island Power Authority. They are charged with creating a climate action plan by September of next year; it will set out a strategy for achieving the goal. 'Climate change is the most pressing environmental issue of our time...' said Mr. Paterson, in a statement accompanying the release of the executive order. He also noted the job-creation potential of a green economy. Judith Enck, New York's deputy secretary for the environment, acknowledged that the 2050 goal was voluntary... According to Ms. Enck, seven other states have established goals of cutting carbon emissions 80% by 2050, including California, Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey and New Hampshire."