New York State recently released the draft New York State Climate Action Plan, which proposes a goal of an 80% reduction (below 1990 levels) of greenhouse gases by 2050.

The draft Plan is the product of the Climate Action Council, a body established by Governor David Paterson in 2009 and compromising representatives from several state agencies and assisted by various advisory panels, for the purpose of inventorying greenhouse gas emission sources in New York State and assessing short and long-term actions to reduce such emissions.

Perhaps the most critical aspect of the draft Plan is the proposed list of policies and strategies, which the Council identifies as preferred options to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors. For instance, for the Building and Industry Sector, the Council recommends enhanced performance-based building codes and appliance standards and consumer incentives for efficiency and renewable energy. Likewise, for the Transportation and Land Use Sector, it suggests: continued development of a regional low-carbon fuel standard, more aggressive efficiency and carbon dioxide vehicle standards, and incentives/disincentives for light- and heavy-duty vehicles.