Governor Perdue Orders State Government to Reduce Energy Consumption by 15% by 2010

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

Launches Energy Innovation Center to Support Alternative Energy Technologies

Warner Robins, Ga. - As a component of the Governor's Conserve Georgia announcements today, Governor Perdue launched the Governor's Energy Challenge. This is a commitment by Governor Perdue that Georgia's state government will reduce its energy usage by 15 percent by 2010 over teh 2007 energy use levels through energy efficiency or in combination with renewable energy. Governor Perdue is challenging Georgia's citizens, businesses, organizations, local governments and school systems to meet the state's 15 percent reduction goal.

"Meeting the 15 percent reduction goal will lessen Georgia's dependence on traditional energy sources, support the economy, and improve the environment," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "Undertaking this challenge to conserve energy will help ensure that Gerogia's natural resources are protected for future generations to use and to enjoy."

The state of Georgia will lead by example and adopt, implement, and promote energy efficiency practices and policies and by using renewable, locally produced biofuels and bioenergy. The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) is directing the implementation of the Governor's Energy Challenge. More details as well as information on how to accept the Governor's Energy Challenge is available by visiting the "Our Energy" section of conservegeorgia.org.

The Houston County School System, the 78th Air Base Wing at Robins Air Force Base and the Warner Robins Area Chamber of Commerce signed the Governor's Energy Challenge pledge, committing to match the state's 15 percent reduction in energy use by 2010.

"Thanks to Governor Perdue's leadership and foresight, Georgia will be able to meet its future energy needs," said GEFA Executive Director Chris Clark. "GEFA is looking forward to working with state and local government and the private sector to reduce Georgia's energy consumption."

Governor Perdue announced the Energy Challenge at Huntington Middle School in Warner Robins where Flint Energies installed a solar panel in the fall of 2006 to help educate students about renewable energy and its impact on the environment. The Houston County School System as a whole has saved over $7.8 million thorugh its energy conservation plan since 1999, about one million dollars a year. The annual savings equate to 22 to 24 percent of the system's total utilities budget.

Energy Innovation Center to Lead State's Support of Alternative Energy

To support further development of alternative energy in Georgia, Governor Perdue is creating an Energy Innovation Center (EIC). The EIC will enhance the economic development of Georgia by leading the commercialization of bioenergy with feedstocks grown or available within the state, furthering the generation of alternative energy and promoting energy sector manufacturing.

"The state of Georgia is quickly becoming a recognized leader in alternative energy and fuel," said Governor Sonny Perdue. "Our goal is to develop a bioenergy industry that provides substantial economic benefit to Georgia and produces 15 percent of the state's transportation fuels by 2020 from locally produced biofuels."

The research and commercialization of alternative energy is a the forefront of Georgia's strategic goals. Through the work of the EIC, companies concentrating on every aspect of energy development will be able to find a streamlined and pro-active business environment in Georgia. The EIC will be part of GEFA, which is home to the state's energy office and alternative fuels program. Jill Stuckey, the director of alternative fuels at GEFA, will serve as the EIC director.

"The EIC is an exciting opportunity to connect to Georgia's conservation efforts to the economic growth of the state," said Chris Clark, executive director of GEFA. "By providing necessary resources to companies in the bioenergy sector, Georgia will increase both its economic competitiveness adn the quality of life of its citizens."

Georgia's Centers of Innovation program is charged with providing the resources and services needed to foster growth in the areas of aerospace, agriculture, life sciences, logistics and manufacturing; areas of strategic focus as designated by Governor Perdue in 2003. The program works directly with existing businesses and entrepreneurs to foster growth within each sector. The EIC will be the sixth addition to the Centers of Innovation Program. For more information about the EIC, visit http://energy.georgiainnovation.org.