The Oil Drum: Local | New York to Move Away from Oil?

New York to Move Away from Oil?

Posted by Glenn on January 5, 2006 - 7:08pm in The Oil Drum: Local
Topic: Policy/Politics
Tags: george pataki, new york state, oil, peak oil [list all tags]

In George Pataki's final State of the State address, and perhaps his opening speech of his 2008 presidential bid, he talks about oil dependence:

Let's envision the New York State the next generation will inherit from us - let's consider the limitless potential the future holds for the great State of New York.
[snip]
We don't have to look far for evidence that the time to transition away from foreign oil is now - it is right there on the gas pumps and in our home heating bills.
Not just here in New York, but across the nation, our reliance on foreign oil is hampering the financial freedom of our working families and their employers; it is hurting our economy, damaging our environment and enriching regimes that support, harbor and encourage the terrorists who threaten our national security.

I'm glad that Pataki is raising these issues as not just environmental do-gooding, but integrating financial and security issues. As a state with little fossil fuel reserves, stimulating development of renewables is critical for New York's survival in a peak oil world.

New York will be a leader in renewable energy development

Let's continue to build on that record of accomplishment by making New York State the leader in reducing dependence on imported energy.
The entire world is now grappling with the question "where will we get the energy to power the global economy of the 21st century without causing irreparable damage to our natural environment?"
Let's make New York the place where that defining question is answered.
Let's make New York the worldwide center for clean, renewable energy research, product development and job creation.

So, how would he achieve this?

Creating New York as a Tax haven for these industries

Let's attract companies from around the world that are developing the clean, renewable energy sources of the future - let's make the entire state a tax free zone for this growing industry.

And taking on transportation

Because of the investments we have made in mass transit, we already have the most efficient transportation system in America, but we can do more - much more.
Our transportation system is still over 90 percent dependent on petroleum products. The huge price increases we have seen at the pump are likely to get worse as developing countries like China and India consume an increasing amount of oil.

But, and here's where I think he may be heading down the ethanol road:

Later this session, I will propose a plan to jumpstart a new era of statewide availability and use of renewable fuels - ensuring that more of our energy dollars stay right here in New York.
It begins with an initiative to make renewable fuels available at service stations all across the state, starting with the New York State Thruway.
And then, it goes a step further, by making that renewable fuel tax-free throughout the entire State of New York.

I hope instead of just offering ethanol, which we know has dubious EROEI benefits given how much agriculture is dependent on fossil fuels, there are other ideas about pluging in hybrids and other ideas.

I also hope Spitzer and other candidates to succeed Pataki take up these issues. In fact, why not log-on to Spitzer's new Blog and tell him that you liked Pataki's proposals on renewable energy.