Thursday, July 27, 2007
Lt. Governor Judge Co-Sponsors Energy Independence Resolution
Continues Culver/Judge Administration’s Commitment to Renewable Energy
(Williamsburg, VA) – Today, Lt. Governor Patty Judge co-sponsored a resolution at the National Lt. Governor’s Association (NLGA) summer meeting that would pledge lieutenant governors to use their offices to combat climate change and promote energy independence.
“Renewable energy is the key to greater energy independence and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And in Iowa, we are leading the way,” said Lt. Governor Judge. “Our state produces more ethanol and bio-diesel than any other, and with more than 1000 wind turbines, we are the third leading producer in wind energy. These steps are helping to reduce our nation’s dependence on imported oil, improve the environment around us and secure our energy future for years to come.”
Iowa produces 30 percent of ethanol, and nearly 40 percent of bio-diesel in the United States. In addition, Iowa has nearly 1000 wind turbines, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide from coal-fired power plants by 3.4 billion tons each year.
If passed, the resolution would call for a seven percent reduction in 1990 carbon emissions levels by 2012 and 60 to 80 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2050. It was introduced by Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton of Wisconsin and has the support of more than 30 percent of the nation’s lieutenant governors.
The Lt. Governor’s support of this resolution continues the Culver/Judge Administration’s commitment to renewable energy. Earlier this summer, Governor Culver signed Iowa onto the National Climate Registry, which will standardize best practices for Green House Gas (GHG) emissions reporting, verification, and management, for more than 30 states. And on April 27, 2007, the Governor signed SF 485, a bill to create the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council to help determine the best strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Iowa.
The NLGA meeting runs until Friday, July 27. The resolution will come up before the NLGA Resolutions Committee today and likely receive a floor vote on July 27.