After years of inaction, Congress and the presidential administration are negotiating major legislation to limit greenhouse gas emissions. To complement these moves on the federal level, New York and other states can develop their own comprehensive energy plans to help New Yorkers move beyond dirty fossil fuels and toward a clean and secure energy future.

New York has already taken the lead by developing a series of initiatives:

• Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI): Created by former Gov. George Pataki, RGGI (pronounced "Reggie") is a 10-state compact that encompasses New York, New Jersey and the New England states. The program creates an emissions trading system that caps greenhouse gas emissions and then auctions pollution credits. The proceeds of the auctions will be used to fund renewable energy and energy efficiency programs.
  
• The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS): In 2004, New York State adopted a rule called a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that requires all regulated utilities to purchase at least 25% of their electricity from renewable sources by 2013.
  
• "45 by 15": Launched in 2007 by former Gov. Eliot Spitzer, the 15 by 15 program aimed to develop a package of mandates and incentives that will reduce the state's energy consumption 15% by 2015. During his 2009 State of the State Address, Gov. David Paterson augmented the 15 by 15 program by committing the state to also receiving 30% of its power from renewable sources.
  
• Energy Planning: On April 9, 2008, Gov. David Paterson signed Executive Order No. 2, which creates a State Energy Planning Board - an effort NYLCV has advocated for as part of its New York State Climate Action Agenda. The board is charged with developing a comprehensive statewide energy plan.

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