By Dave Lucas
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-853587.mp3
Albany, NY – Governor David Paterson has signed a "Greenhouse Gas Bill," as we hear in this report from Capital District Bureau Chief Dave Lucas
Governor David Paterson signed an executive order Thursday to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by the year 2050 from 1990 levels, in line with President Obama's carbon reduction goals and consistent with what's currently being debated in Congress.
The Governor's order will create a Climate Action Council to prepare a draft climate action plan by Sept. 30, 2010, to assess how economic sectors can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate changes. Enck stressed that the 10 hottest years on record were between 1997 and 2008.
New York is following California's lead with stricter auto emissions standards by 2016 and offers financial incentives for clean and green energy initiatives, all the while working with other northeastern states to create a low carbon fuel standard.
The Executive Order requires that - quoting now -"the 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."