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This belongs to you. Take it back...
Tue Dec 12, 2006 at 11:30:24 AM EST
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Recently, I wrote a diary discussing a report published by Environmental Advocates of New York called "Forecast for New York: Projected Global Warming Impacts & Next Steps." For me, the most important point the report made was to emphasis that New York State could clearly have a positive impact on reducing global warming pollution.
New York produced as much global warming pollution as 99 developing countries combined. Clearly, actions by New York are important in the global and national context of addressing climate change.
Now, it seems that for whatever reasons, Michael Conners, Albany County Comptroller, has become a more vocal supporter of thinking globally and acting locally.
More below... |
| Kelk :: New York's oil addiction |
From the Times-Union:
While candidates were taking their message to voters last month, Albany County Comptroller Michael Conners, who wasn't up for re-election, was beating the hustings and raising an issue that should have been part of every campaign: How New York can reduce its dependence on foreign oil.
As one of those candidates, I would like to point out that I did talk about this issue and even posted a policy paper written by a local expert from Binghamton. From the preface:
To be effective, government policy to address a critical problem must: 1) describe truthfully the nature of that problem, and 2) specify "actionable programs", i.e., identify practical actions that government can implement to address that problem. This paper addresses one of the most critical problems ever to confront humankind: that of the converging carbon crisis that involves our supplies of energy and the future of our climate.
This paper is predicated upon the conviction that the Democratic Party possesses the courage to tell all citizens all the truth, however unpleasant and demanding that truth may be; and that confronted with the truth, citizens shall be responsible and mature enough to act in ways that may require significant individual and collective sacrifice for the common good.
But beyond the fact that author of the Times-Union piece somehow missed this posting on my campaign website, I have to say that I am very pleased with the following:
He believes New York state needs a new energy policy that would require that gasoline sold in this state have a 10 percent alternative fuel blend made from agricultural products.
As many have said before, it is good for the local economy as well as the environement and it has been successfully implemented in other states.
Mr. Conners alternative-blend plan has been tried in other states, and with great success. Minnesota led the way 10 years ago with an ethanol mandate. Hawaii has since followed suit, and Montana is preparing to join the trend. Massachusetts offers ethanol blends at the pump.
Now all we need to do is have a state government that has not been bought-and-sold by large interests and able to confront this issue head-on.
He's asked the right question. Now the answers have to come from the Legislature and Gov.-elect Spitzer.
And they better come soon... |
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