|
Kaine orders agencies to improve energy efficiency
by 2010
Apr 10 - McClatchy-Tribune Business News Formerly Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News - Christina Nuckols The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine ordered state agencies Monday to cut energy costs by one-fifth before he leaves office in January 2010. The governor signed an executive order requiring department heads and college officials to follow energy-efficiency standards when building new offices or renovating existing buildings. He instructed agencies seeking rental space to give priority to locations within a quarter mile of a bus, trolley or commuter rail stop. Kaine directed state agencies to purchase fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles and to minimize professional travel. Kaine also named Stephen Walz to serve as the state's first senior advis er for energy policy. Walz most recently was director of administration for the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy. Environmental leaders were heartened by Kaine's action. "With global warming becoming more of an accepted, serious problem, these are the types of steps we're going to have to make at the state level," said Michael Town, state director of the Sierra Club. Town said he hopes Kaine and state lawmakers will consider laws requiring private businesses to take similar steps. Sen. Mary Margaret Whipple, D-Arlington, a long time advocate for renewable energy, said she doubts Virginia will adopt energy mandates on businesses, but she said Kaine's action should encourage private-sector interest. "I'm glad to see the state taking leadership in this area," she said. "It'll make an actual reduction in energy use and it'll set a good example for businesses, local governments and individual citizens." --Reach Christina Nuckols at (804) 697-1562 or christina.nuckols @pilotonline.com. |