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Easley Aims to Make State Drought-Proof

Gov. Mike Easley unveiled a broad set of legislative proposals aimed at shoring up North Carolina’s ability to withstand droughts as the state’s population rises. The state is too vulnerable to the periods of dry weather that have hit the region in recent years, he said, including the current drought that officials say is far from over. “We really have a 19th century water system in place in the 21st century,” he said. “We want to make North Carolina drought-proof.” The proposals include requiring water systems to make plans for water shortages, to check for leaks and to create tax holidays for water-saving devices and appliances. Read more

ENERGY NEWS

AS – Tulafono to Study Renewable Sources of Energy. American Samoa Gov. Togiola Tulafono says he plans to establish an agency to look at renewable sources of energy. It will study how wind, solar and ocean waves can be harnessed to reduce the territory’s dependence on imported oil and diesel. The Governor says finding alternative sources of energy and making use of them will not be an easy task, but it is a problem being confronted by most countries. Read more

MI – Granholm to Host Energy Summit. While Gov. Jennifer Granholm pushes for alternative energy to rescue Michigan’s economy, a summit to educate local manufacturers about the industry will be held downtown. Members of the manufacturing community were invited to learn about market opportunities in alternative energy production. Representatives from the industry will talk about various fields like wind, solar and methane recovery, biodiesel and battery technology. Granholm says those sectors have the potential to bring more than 4,000 jobs to Michigan over the next five years. “We’ve got to create that demand here in order for those jobs to come,” Granholm said. “We’re fortunate that Solar Ovonics is a Michigan based company and we were able to put enough incentives on the table. We can’t do that for everybody.” Read more

PA – House Approves Rendell’s Green Energy Plan. The state House voted in favor of borrowing $850 million to encourage use of cleaner energy sources, a main element of Gov. Ed Rendell’s energy strategy. The bill would expand solar manufacturing and use of advanced coal technologies and electricity conservation, as well as underwrite related research. Majority Whip Keith McCall, D-Carbon, said every dollar will leverage $6 to $12 in private investment, an estimated $3.5 billion in the coming decade. He predicted the program will create 13,000 jobs and 22,000 spinoff jobs. Read more

TN – Editorial: Bredesen Energy Plan Will Benefit State. From the mountains in the East to the Mississippi River in the West, Tennessee is blessed with abundant natural beauty, resources and productive people. We have a strong, balanced economy that has weathered past and present economic slowdowns better than most other states. To sustain our economy and quality of life, there is no doubt that Tennessee must develop a comprehensive state energy strategy. Gov. Phil Bredesen, in announcing that he will develop a state energy plan, deserves our praise and support. The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry and its many members stand ready to work with the governor. We are pleased that Gov. Bredesen is taking Tennessee down the path of developing a comprehensive energy plan. We will have a better future because of it. Read more

GENERAL NEWS

IA – Culver to Start Lottery for Vets Trust Fund. Gov. Chet Culver has signed into law a plan to sell lottery tickets to raise money for veterans programs. The new law enables the Iowa Lottery to create four instant scratch and pull tab lottery games each year. Revenue raised by the games will be pumped into the Iowa Veterans Trust Fund. The bill’s sponsors said the new tickets will generate an estimated $2 to $3 million each year. The trust fund helps veterans pay for job training, college tuition, counseling, unemployment due to a military-related illness and some health care. The fund also provides benefits to the children of deceased or disabled post-Sept. 11 veterans. Read more

OK – Henry: State Needs to Combat Childhood Obesity. In a column published today, Gov. Brad Henry addressed the growing concerns about childhood obesity. He wrote, “Among the challenges we face today, perhaps none is more pressing for our future — and that of our children — than our health as individuals and as a state. The statistics can be sobering: 15 percent of Oklahoma’s teens are considered severely overweight or obese, a 300-percent increase in the last 20 years. Younger children, too, have seen an increase in obesity rates and a corresponding increase in type 2 diabetes. I was happy to sign a bill several years ago mandating 60 minutes of physical education for elementary school students each week. That was a start, but we can do more.” Gov. Henry continued, “This year I proposed at least doubling the amount of time children spend in physical activity at school. We must act now to impart lessons on our children that will lead to their enjoying long and healthy lives.” Read more

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