For More Information: Jeff Jones, Environmental Advocates of New York 518-462-5526, ext. 233 Anne Reynolds, Environmental Advocates of New York 518-462-5526, ext. 238

Albany, N.Y. -- A coalition of citizen groups and environmental organizations today called on Governor George Pataki to cap carbon dioxide emissions from power plants to reduce global warming. The groups called attention to the mixed signals coming from the Governor regarding his intention to regulate emissions of the gases that cause global warming. While the new state energy plan includes praiseworthy targets for emissions reductions – a 5 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2010 and a 10 percent reduction by 2020, there is still no plan for achieving these reductions. Moreover, no plan has been released from the Greenhouse Gas Task Force the Governor created in June 2001, although the panel has finished its discussions.

"Through the Greenhouse Gas Task Force, Governor Pataki laid the foundation for reducing New York's emissions of heat-trapping gases. It is time for the state to act on the Task Force report," said Anne Reynolds, Air & Energy Project Director with Environmental Advocates of New York. "Setting a cap on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants is an essential step."

Representatives of the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) underscored the message by presenting 7,000 postcards from citizens that call for a New York carbon cap.

Members of the Cap Carbon in New York Campaign noted the recent developments in California regarding controlling vehicular emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2). On Monday, California Gov. Gray Davis signed historic legislation that will, for the first time, reduce CO2 emissions from cars.

"California is leading the way reducing automobile emissions. New York should lead with power plants," said Theresa Cassiack of NYPIRG. "If the Governor wants to reduce the state's contribution to global warming, he must cap carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity sector." Power plant emissions account for about 26 percent of the state's total emissions of global warming gases.

"There are other ways than burning fossil fuels to produce electricity. The state must put in place specific policies, like a carbon cap, which will help bring down our emissions and bring cleaner energy on line," said Andy Mele, Executive Director of Hudson River Sloop Clearwater.

"Few states face more serious impacts from power plant emissions than New York. We are looking at sky-rocketing asthma rates among children, mercury in our drinking water reservoirs, and lakes and forests being killed by acid rain," said John Stouffer, Legislative Director, Sierra Club – Atlantic Chapter. "On top of this, New York faces the threat of global climate change. Governor Pataki has an opportunity to lead the nation in the right direction by imposing a substantial cap on carbon emissions. By leading, Governor Pataki can make sure that the outcome of the debate over capping carbon emissions at the national level is resolved in a way that will help stop global warming. Capping carbon emissions will also undoubtedly help reduce other harmful power plant emissions to the benefit of our children's lungs, our lakes and our forests."