Pataki Wants to Fund $24 Million Alternative Fuel Research Lab

Published: 16-Jan-2006

Funding for a $24 million alternative fuel research laboratory in Malta, N.Y., as well as a tax credit to companies that make renewable fuel, and a 10 percent state Thruway toll discount to operators of hybrid fuel vehicles will be included in the state budget package New York Gov. George Pataki is releasing on Jan. 17.

Another idea calls for encouraging the purchase of energy-efficient appliances by suspending the sale tax on "Energy Star" certified products for a pair of two-week periods. Similar sales-tax free periods have been used in the past to encourage targeted consumer spending.

These initiatives and others are part of a plan to reduce New York's dependence on imported energy and position the state as a center of renewable energy research, according to the governor's office.

	EIA Forecasts U.S. Renewables to Grow 1.8 Percent Annually The forecast consumption of coal, nuclear and renewables have been increased from earlier predictions, while petroleum and natural gas consumption are lower.
	Geothermal Energy Use Increases 12 Percent in Four Years The United States accounts for 2,544 MW of total installed capacity and 1,914 MW of operation, and the difference is due to a lack of steam due to over-exploitation of the Geysers field in California.
	Senator Obama on Energy Independence February 28,2006 address to National Governor's Ethanol Coalition.