STATE OF GEORGIA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
The text of the Governor's Energy Challenge Executive Order is below:
BY THE GOVERNOR:
WHEREAS: The State of Georgia's economy enjoyed strong growth and current forecasts indicate the state's population and economic activity will continue to grow rapidly in the years to come; and
WHEREAS: The state's economic growth and security depend on affordable and reliable energy and fuel and as such requires the expansion of energy infrastructure including energy fuel pipelines, electric power generating facilities and units, transmission facilities and pipelines; and
WHEREAS: Georgia's energy providers should be praised for their high standards of excellence in providing reliable and affordable energy; and
WHEREAS: Energy efficiency improvements, cleaner traditional energy generation, nuclear power, bioenergy, and alternative fuel sources are all required in order for Georgia to meet future energy demand in a cost-effective manner; and
WHEREAS: Georgia's agriculture and forestry industries offer rich biomass resources for the production of biofuels and biomass energy; and
WHEREAS: The State of Georgia encourages citizens, business, industry and local government to prioritize energy efficiency and alternative fuel usage and emphasizes the importance of raising public awareness of energy issues and conservation; and
WHEREAS: This administration has made enterprise management a priority for an efficient government, and the State of Georgia should lead by example by adopting, implementing, and promoting energy efficiency practices and policies and by using renewable, locally produced biofuels and bioenergy; and
WHEREAS: The National Governors Association has advocated that each state address these issues as best appropriate through the "Securing a Clean Energy Future Initiative"; and
WHEREAS: The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, Division of Energy Resources has the statutory authority set forth by Section 50-23-32 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to conduct certain energy related activities.
NOW, THEREFORE, BY VIRTUE OF THE POWER VESTED IN ME AS THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, IT IS HEREBY
ORDERED: As a component of Conserve Georgia, the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority shall collaborate with government and private sector partners to develop and launch the "Governor's Energy Challenge 2020" which will consist of five integral components:
- State Energy Leadership Initiative
- Energy Education and Public Awareness Campaign
- Governor's Energy Challenge to Local Governments and School Systems;
- Governor's Energy Challenge to Business; and
- The Center of Innovation for Energy
IT IS FURTHER
ORDERED: The State Energy Leadership Initiative will support state agencies and departments in their efforts to reduce energy usage by 15% by 2020 over 2007 existing energy use levels on a per square foot basis through energy efficiency or through a combination with renewable energy, that could lead to a taxpayer saving of $19 million annually; and
IT IS FURTHER
ORDERED: As part of Conserve Georgia, the Energy Education Public Awareness Campaign will educate the public to help reduce Georgia's energy consumption, increase alternative energy usage, and save taxpayer money; and
IT IS FURTHER
ORDERED: The Governor's Energy Challenge to Local Governments and School Systems will encourage local governments, and school systems to match the state's commitment by reducing their own energy usage by 15% by 2020 over 2007 existing energy use levels on a per square foot basis through energy efficiency or through a combination with renewable energy, particularly from Georgia-based sources, while supporting continued economic growth; and
IT IS FURTHER
ORDERED: The Governor's Energy Challenge to Business will encourage businesses to match the state's commitment by reducing their own energy usage by 15% by 2020 over 2007 existing energy use levels on a per unit produced or per square foot basis through energy efficiency or through a combination with renewable energy, particularly from Georgia-based sources, while supporting continued economic growth; and
IT IS FURTHER
ORDERED: The Energy Innovation Center will enhance the economic development of Georgia by leading the commercialization of bioenergy based on feedstock grown or available within the state; furthering alternative energy generation; and promoting energy sector manufacturing; and
IT IS FURTHER
ORDERED: Conserve Georgia will conduct an energy efficiency and renewable energy study of Georgia.
THIS 24th DAY OF April 2008