July 23, 2003

Statement on Capping Carbon Emissions and Gov. Pataki's Global Warming Initiative

(Albany, NY) -- In April, Gov. George Pataki invited governors from 10 other northeastern states to join him in the fight against global climate change by developing a regional strategy to deal with carbon dioxide emissions from power plants (Governor’s press release on April 25, 2003). Pataki ordered state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Erin Crotty and Department of Public Service Commissioner William Flynn to follow up his initiative and report back in 90 days. Today marks the end of that 90 day period. An announcement on the progress of this initiative is due today.

“If states agreed to a timeline to establish a regional carbon cap, that would be very positive,” stated Anne Reynolds, Air and Energy Program Director at Environmental Advocates of New York. “But Governor Pataki should take the lead and commit to a state cap on carbon emissions in New York and begin a rulemaking process at the Department of Environmental Conservation. Controls for power plant carbon dioxide pollution will benefit our environment and economy, bringing more efficient power to New York. Any efforts to create a regional trading program can and should occur simultaneously with a rulemaking in New York.”

A cap on power plant carbon pollution is the most efficient step New York can take to address global warming, as reported by the Governor’s Greenhouse Gas Task Force. The analysis shows it should be done soon, to influence future investment in the power sector. “There is no reason for New York to wait before taking action.” Reynolds concluded.