Strategy Update Provides Roadmap for Affordable and Reliable Energy

Governor Sonny Perdue announced the completion of an update to the State Energy Strategy for Georgia (Strategy) last week. Published by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA), the 2009 State Energy Strategy Update includes a profile of Georgia’s energy consumption by sector, an implementation summary of the original Strategy’s recommendations, and an updated list of next steps to secure Georgia’s energy future.

“Relying on efficiency, conservation, renewable energy and advanced clean technologies, Georgia can meet its energy needs in an environmentally responsible and economic way,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “There is no ‘silver bullet’ for energy; rather a ‘silver buckshot’ approach is necessary to meet our future energy demand.”

In early 2006, Governor Perdue directed GEFA to develop an energy strategy for Georgia. Since its release in December 2006, the Strategy has provided an energy roadmap that balances economic growth and environmental concerns. GEFA, home of the state energy office, is responsible for monitoring the progress of the Strategy and for updating the plan as necessary.

“Over the past 30 years, Georgia experienced tremendous growth in population, economic activity and energy demand,” said GEFA Executive Director Chris Clark. “Due to the Governor’s leadership, Georgia is taking the necessary steps to balance today’s needs with tomorrow’s obligations by fostering the wise use of our energy resources.”

The major steps Georgia has undertaken to implement the Strategy are grouped into three primary categories:

Conservation and efficiency
Governor’s Energy Challenge
Clean Energy Property Tax Credit
Telecommuting Tax Credit
Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Construction Act of 2008
The State Utilities Program
Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday
Weatherization Program

Renewable energy and research
Center of Innovation for Energy
Bioenergy One Stop Shop
Streamlined Review and Permitting for Renewable Energy Facilities
E85 Infrastructure Grant Program
Greenhouse Gas Inventory (Environmental Protection Division)
Greenhouse Gas Registry (Environmental Protection Division)
Carbon Sequestration Registry (Georgia Forestry Commission)

Advanced traditional technology
Expansion of Plant Vogtle

An electronic copy of the 2009 State Energy Strategy Update is available at https://www.gefa.org/index.aspx?recordid=24&page=205. The public is encouraged to review the plan and provide feedback through the Web site.
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