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Strickland Urges Support for Renewable Energy Plan

Ohio – Gov. Ted Strickland was on the roof of the Toledo Museum of Art along with representatives of First Solar. The governor spoke about his plan for more renewable energy for Ohio. He made his address on the roof of the art museum because that is where upwards of 1,400 2-by-4-foot solar panels are being installed. On a bright sunny day in the very near future, the panels will produce up to 20% of the museum’s energy. Strickland’s proposed energy bill calls for 25% of the state’s electricity to be produced through renewable sources by the year 2025. “There are companies interested in investing in Ohio and are saying to me very directly if we do not have this standard in place, they will go elsewhere,” Strickland said. “If we do this, we will have economic growth in Ohio; if we don’t do it we will lose opportunity and lose jobs.”
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CO – Ritter Calls for Greener Computing. Gov. Bill Ritter announced that Colorado would sign on with the Climate Savers Computing Initiative. In short, CSCI entities commit to purchasing energy-efficient computing equipment and educating employees about efficient power management strategies. Also, CSCI manufacturers commit to producing efficient equipment. About 170 companies, organizations and states have joined CSCI and Ritter said the state government is in a “unique position” to lead by example when it comes to managing energy use. “By joining the Climate Savers Computing Initiative, we are not only making a significant investment in more efficient government, we are showing what can be achieved when government and industry band together to address the issues facing our environment,” said Ritter.
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KY – Beshear Announces Homeland Security Grants. Gov. Steve Beshear announced two U.S. Department of Homeland Security grants totaling over $1.5 million to be awarded to Louisville Metro Government. The funds will be used to update the communication infrastructure for local law enforcement officials and first responders. “In today’s climate, it is vitally important that all first responders have access to interoperable communications,” Beshear said. “This equates to greater safety for those answering the call, and it enhances public safety by providing a more coordinated response.” Part of the grant will upgrade base stations and radio frequencies at Louisville MetroSafe so any agency – from a suburban fire station to FEMA to the New York Police Department – will be able to communicate with each other on the city’s communication system. This is a critical piece in case of a multi-jurisdictional or multi-discipline incident.
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ME – Citing Danger to Children, Baldacci Bans Novelty Lighters. With a sweep of his pen, Gov. John Baldacci made Maine the first state to ban so-called novelty cigarette lighters, which look like toys but with the flick of button become dangerous mini-torches. Standing next to Baldacci during the bill-signing was 6-year-old Shane St. Pierre, who was burned in the face last summer when he picked up what he thought was a toy flashlight but turned out to be a lighter. The boy’s injury led to the bill which Baldacci said puts Maine “ahead of the curve” nationally.
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OR – Kulongoski Focuses on Expanding Children’s Health Care. Gov. Ted Kulongoski stopped in Southern Oregon to discuss the health care issues he highlighted in his State of the State address. He visited a Community Health Center in White City to meet with families who are struggling with their health care costs. The governor is trying to extend the enrollment period for children in the Oregon Health Plan from six to 12 months. He says that will allow thousands more children to get coverage.
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