May 25, 2007

Legislature Approves Kennedy Sponsored Green Legislation

Additional environmental friendly legislation to begin committee process

Erie County's efforts to become more "environmentally friendly" have found a champion in Legislator Tim Kennedy who recently co-sponsored three pieces of "green" legislation aimed to curb mounting concerns of growing costs and harmful effects associated with inefficient energy consumption.

"This legislation will empower Erie County to implement measures that will complement existing regional efforts working to transform the Western New York region from a "rust belt" to a "green belt," Kennedy said.

The three resolutions call on Erie County to invest in renewable energy, explore and engage in efforts of energy conservation, and assess it current fleet to reduce emissions and increase fuel efficiency.

Legislator Kennedy attributed mounting concerns surrounding global warming, increasing petroleum prices, clean air and energy efficiency, as precursors for the need of more environmental friendly legislation in Erie County.

"We must begin to make strides for change and move into a direction of environmental efficiency," Kennedy stated, "As a result of taking a proactive approach to spearhead growing concerns, we will not only provide a benefit to the environment, but to the taxpayer as well in the bottom line of costs associated with the consumption of energy and petroleum."

Traditional measures of generating power include the burning of non-renewable resources such as oil and coal. Research demonstrating the harmful side-effects this process has on humans and the environment continues to strengthen the mounting argument for the need to invest in renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and water.

"Research and investment in harnessing the power of renewable resources such as solar, wind, water, and low-emission gases will ultimately lead to reducing the negative impact our environment endures as a result of our current methods of power generation," Kennedy said.

"Through the passage of this legislation, Erie County will now work towards a goal of purchasing 25% of its energy from sources that produce non-polluting renewable energy by 2011," Kennedy said, "ultimately reducing its role in harming the environment."

Kennedy added that this legislation will create an inventory of the County's current fleet including the vehicle type, year, and fuel capacity. This information will allow the County to assess the practicality of its current inventory.

"Are we investing our resources in the purchasing and maintenance of vehicles that are efficient both in cost and environmental impact?," Kennedy said, "With this information we can begin to build a framework for fleet efficiency that will guide us in our decisions when weeding out, converting or purchasing new vehicles and technology.

Legislator Kennedy is currently working on three additional pieces of environmental friendly legislation which he anticipates will enter the committee process in the near future.

Questions or requests for additional information regarding these pieces of legislation can be directed to Legislator Tim Kennedy's district office at 824-6180 or 1928 South Park Avenue.

Back to District 2 Homepage