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| March 8 , 2005 Legislator Kevan Abrahams and legislature unanimously approve
‘Green Power’ resolution
Sets County’s goal of purchasing 25% of its energy from renewable sources by 2010
Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) and the Nassau Legislature this week unanimously approved a resolution requiring Nassau County to redirect its energy priorities with the goal of purchasing at least 25% of its energy from nonpolluting “green,” renewable energy sources by the year 2010. The resolution, sponsored by Nassau County Legislator David Denenberg, also requires the county’s purchasing department to report to the legislature once a year on the status of its renewable energy goals. “Nassau County will be a leader in the effort to improve environmental quality, by redirecting its energy policy and requiring that energy needs be met by clean, renewable energy sources and not fossil fuels which are harmful to the environment and which increases reliance upon foreign fuel sources,” said Legislator Abrahams. The resolution calls for a change in the County’s purchase of energy, such as electricity, to include a growing proportion of non-polluting “green” power or renewable energy to a target of no less than 25% by the year 2010. "We are pleased that Nassau County is taking a leadership role in fostering the use of green power to help reduce power-plant emissions,” said LIPA Chairman Richard M. Kessel.. “LIPA's Green Choice program is a great way for municipalities, businesses and residential customers to purchase green power conveniently." “Now more than ever we realize the importance of having domestic sources of safe, clean and renewable energy,” said Gordian Raacke, executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island (RELI), the island’s only not for profit organization focusing on clean energy. The resolution also states that the total cost of the electric energy purchased from alternative technologies, such as wind, solar, photovoltaic, tidal, geothermal, hydro and fuel cells shall not exceed $500,000 per year. It goes into effect immediately after being signed by Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. |