Roadmap in Place for Affordable and Reliable Energy

Gov. Sonny Perdue announced the completion of an update to the State Energy Strategy for Georgia (Strategy).

Published by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA), the 2009 State Energy Strategy Update includes a profile of Georgia’s energy consumption by sector, an implementation summary of the original Strategy’s recommendations, and an updated list of next steps to secure Georgia’s energy future.

In early 2006, Gov. Perdue directed GEFA to develop an energy strategy for Georgia. Since its release in December 2006, the Strategy has provided an energy roadmap that balances economic growth and environmental concerns. GEFA, home of the state energy office, is responsible for monitoring the progress of the Strategy and for updating the plan as necessary.

The major steps Georgia has undertaken to implement the Strategy are grouped into three primary categories:

• Conservation and efficiency
  • Governor’s Energy Challenge
  • Clean Energy Property Tax Credit
  • Telecommuting Tax Credit
  • Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Construction Act of 2008
  • The State Utilities Program
  • Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday
  • Weatherization Program

• Renewable energy and research
  • Center of Innovation for Energy
  • Bioenergy One Stop Shop
  • Streamlined Review and Permitting for Renewable Energy Facilities
  • E85 Infrastructure Grant Program
  • Greenhouse Gas Inventory (Environmental Protection Division)
  • Greenhouse Gas Registry (Environmental Protection Division)
  • Carbon Sequestration Registry (Georgia Forestry Commission)

• Advanced traditional technology
  • Expansion of Plant Vogtle