Country First

What if evryone put their “Country First” ?? We can now vote early! Please Vote!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Country-First/117189105008784

Governors Collaborate to do their part!!

In September NGA Chair Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty launched the 2007-2008 NGA Chair’s Initiative – Securing a Clean Energy Future, proclaiming “America is ready for bold, innovative energy policies that will make us safer, more independent and better stewards of the planet. We’ve been asleep at the switch for too long – the time for action is now.”

 Securing a Clean Energy Future (SCEF) is designed to: 

• Identify new opportunities for states to save energy, support clean alternatives and encourage deployment of new technologies;
• Convene high-profile events and stakeholder meetings to advance this agenda;
• Produce toolkits and guides that analyze and examine current best practices;
• Establish state challenge grants for enhanced energy planning;
• Explore state compacts and state-industry partnerships that address initiative policy goals.
• Raise state and national awareness of the importance of clean energy; 

In November, Minnesota Gov. Pawlenty and SCEF Taskforce co-chair Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius announced a groundbreaking public-private partnership with Google and Intel Corporation’s Climate Savers Computing Initiative, that aims to reduce energy use from computers, servers and related equpment. 

In December, the SCEF Initiative held the Governors’ Summit on Alternative Transportation Fuels and Advanced Vehicles, in Tampa, Florida. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist joined Gov. Pawlenty, Gov. Sebelius, and Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer during a Governors’ Roundtable to discuss alternative transportation fuels, clean vehicles and other technologies and policies that offer the potential to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower greenhouse gas emissions. 

At the Governors Summit the governors released A Call to Action, a report outlining the current energy challenges the United States faces, defining the role of states in developing clean energy in the future and presenting a roadmap for states interested in achieving the goals of the SCEF Initiative. 

For more information on the Securing a Clean Energy Future initiative, please visit www.nga.org/ci. To speak with one of NGA’s experts on this issue, please contact the NGA Office of Communications at 202-624-5301. 

http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.ef1a671e4253877ae8ebb856a11010a0/

This is an informational post with links to various places of interest. I hope you enjoy. I find it interesting to see what different government groups are doing. I am happy to see the Governors Association come together in an effort to address our concerns.

“The American Clean Energy and Security Act”

 

Chairman Henry A. Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Edward J. Markey introduced “H.R. 2454, The American Clean Energy and Security Act.”  The Energy and Commerce Committee will begin markup of the bill on Monday, May 18, 2009, at 1:00 p.m., and will complete consideration before the Memorial Day recess.

“The legislation will create millions of new clean energy jobs, save consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs, promote America’s energy independence and security, and cut global warming pollution,” said Chairman Waxman.  “In support of these goals, this legislation ensures that consumers and industries in all regions of the country are protected.  I look forward to working with all members of the Committee to approve this legislation to make America the world leader in new clean energy and energy efficiency technologies.” http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1622:chairmen-waxman-and-markey-introduce-the-american-clean-energy-and-security-act&catid=155:statements&Itemid=81

The latest version of the House Democratic leadership’s climate bill would give away for free up to 85% of the pollution permits created to launch a proposed system to cap greenhouse-gas emissions, according to details of the proposal released.

The free pollution permits and other compromises are part of the multibillion dollar price that House Energy and Commerce Chairman Henry A. Waxman (D., Calif.) paid to win support from moderate House Democrats to clear the way for a committee vote on his sweeping climate and energy bill by Memorial Day. The measure still faces an uncertain future in the Senate. Mr. Waxman and moderate Democrats outlined their deal earlier this week. Those permits could be sold, and would have value because the overall quantity of allowed industrial greenhouse gas emissions would be capped under the law.

The article goes on by breaking down the percentage of gases permitted based on industry and explains how both sides of the issue will have to find compromise to make this work.

The president and Mr. Waxman originally had pushed for utilities to produce up to 25% of their power from renewable sources, with a certain percentage offset by energy efficiency gains. Utilities were to attain that goal by 2025. But now, as part of his compromise, Mr. Waxman cut the requirement to 20% by 2020, with governors able to reduce the renewable portion if they increase energy efficiency.

States will initially receive 10% of the greenhouse-gas allowances for free, and could use their value to finance investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124240088772024143.html?mod=googlenews_wsj