North Dakota/ Iowa Require Renewables
Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack (R) has issued an executive order that sets up a renewable energy purchasing requirement for state agencies of at least 10% of their electricity needs by 2010. The order also requires state agencies to reduce their electricity use in buildings by 15% by 2010 relative to their use in 2000. “When we use renewable fuels, we create economic opportunities for the farmers of our state, we return dollars to our local economies and strengthen communities,” said Governor Vilsack. “Renewable fuels also give families an opportunity to stretch their energy dollars because they are less expensive.” The order also contains requirements on converting the state’s transportation fleet either to hybrid-electric vehicles or vehicles running on alternative fuels by 2010 and a requirement that bulk diesel fuel purchased by state agencies must contain a certain percentage of renewable fuel (such as biodiesel). — North Dakota Governor John Hoeven (R) signed a comprehensive package of legislation into law designed to accelerate production of wind energy and biofuels, as well as to enhance the transmission infrastructure necessary to get both renewable and conventional energy to market. The plan also builds on the Governor’s ethanol production incentive by making $4.6 million […]
