Leading the Way in Controlling Energy Costs
In response to one of the most pressing issues facing our nation, Democratic Governors have put forth innovative policies on the state level to protect Americans from escalating gas prices and to stop our reliance on foreign oil. Across the country, Democratic governors are taking bold steps to reduce energy costs and build a sustainable energy policy. From creating incentives for alternative energy sources to encouraging citizens, business, and state governments to become more efficient energy consumers, Democratic governors are leading the way to energy independence.
“While President Bush talks about energy and the environment, Democratic governors have taken decisive actions to preserve the environment, move closer to energy independence and promote clean, alternative sources of energy,” DGA Chair New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson said. “Democratic governors know that now is the time to plan for the future by reducing our dependence on foreign oil and developing alternative fuels. Our ecological security, our economic security, and our national security are tied to our energy security. We call on the president to partner with us to start taking energy issues seriously in order to make America stronger and more secure.”
Governor Richardson, a former U.S. Energy Secretary, added, “Democratic Governors are helping America reach sustainable solutions to energy problems. My fellow Governors and I have worked to reduce our country’s dependence on foreign oil and are pushing for energy independence. In our states, we are doing our part to develop energy policies that promote renewable energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and keep energy prices affordable for American working families. A strong America begins at home, and we urge President Bush and his friends on Capitol Hill to do their part as well.”
At least a dozen Democratic governors have either incentivized or required state governments to reduce energy consumption and build energy-efficient structures. At least five states with Democratic governors have implemented specific programs for increasing energy-efficiency standards, including Arizona, where Gov. Janet Napolitano required 12 appliances, like clothes washers and traffic lights, to conform to stricter energy efficiency standards. Four states with Democratic governors have signed onto regional, multi-state energy conservation programs aimed at reducing natural gas consumption, and at least three Democratic governors are using streamlined permitting processes to speed the development of efficient energy production plants. Several Democratic Governors have requested that the President investigate gas price-gouging in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. In addition, this winter, over half a dozen Democratic governors increased the amount of home heating assistance available to families despite delays from Washington.
Every day, governors have made increasing energy efficiency and achieving energy independence a priority. In mid-April, Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the State of Michigan, a struggling automaker, and a retail giant joined forces to make an Ethanol more available for Michigan residents. Other Midwestern Democratic governors have also been leaders in the area of Ethanol – under Gov. Tom Vilsack’s leadership, Iowa is now the nation’s leading producer of Ethanol, having doubled its capacity for production over the last five years. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle have called on oil companies to allow their states to increase access to biofuels. And Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius is the leader of the 32-state Ethanol coalition.
In April alone, Gov. Granholm ordered environmental regulators to reduce mercury pollution by 90% by 2015. Maine Gov. John Baldacci signed his fifth piece of legislation designed to protect the environment from dangerous mercury pollution. Gov. Doyle of Wisconsin mandated that all current and future state facilities meet high environmental and energy efficiency standards including green cleaning, green purchasing, waste reduction and recycling, pollution prevention, energy and water efficiency, and light pollution. Pennsylvania Gov. Rendell announced that his Energy Development Authority awarded a grant to place 15 small, advanced technology wind turbines in highly-visible locations across Pennsylvania.
In response to one of the most pressing issues facing our nation, Democratic Governors have put forth innovative policies on the state level to protect Americans from escalating gas prices and to stop our reliance on foreign oil. Across the country, Democratic governors are taking bold steps to reduce energy costs and build a sustainable energy policy. From creating incentives for alternative energy sources to encouraging citizens, business, and state governments to become more efficient energy consumers, Democratic governors are leading the way to energy independence.
