By Mark Scott
Albany, NY – Representatives of several environmental groups say they are closely watching the Pataki administration as it draws up a greenhouse gas policy.
Governor Pataki has pledged that New York will be a leader in the fight against global warming. In June 2001, he created a task force to come up with recommendations. It found that a cap on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in New York could be set at 25 percent below 1990 levels without an appreciable impact on power supplies.
But rather than announcing such a cap in April, Pataki instead said he wanted to explore working with other states. Jason Babbie of the New York Public Interest Research Group says it's time for Pataki to act.
"Right now, we've seen largely lip service and studies on setting hard caps," Babbie said. "However, that does not necessarily have to continue. We encourage Governor Pataki to announce specific caps and dates for cutting carbon dioxide emissions from power plants."
Pataki asked top environmental officials in his administration to report back to him about the regional approach by July 23rd. But Ashok Gupta of the Natural Resources Defense Council says he's not expecting any major announcements from the governor.
"The discussions with other states have generally been going pretty well," Gupta said. "I think they would like to have the other states do this jointly. That will continue to be the path. The question is how long can that go on."
The environmental advocates say New York's delay has allowed other states to take the lead when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Governor Pataki's office did not return ou call for comment.