Virginia Goes Green

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today issued Executive Order 48, setting a goal for executive branch agencies and institutions to reduce the annual cost of non-renewable energy purchases by at least 20 percent by fiscal year 2010.

“Reducing our energy consumption and costs and protecting our natural resources is a priority for my administration,” Governor Kaine said. “Last year, Virginia state government spent over $290 million in energy costs to operate our facilities and travel on state business. To reduce the environmental consequences of that level of energy consumption and save taxpayer dollars, I am directing state government to use proven and innovative conservation technologies and energy procurement processes.”

The Executive Order directs state organizations to construct new and renovate existing state facilities consistent with U.S. Green Building Council or U.S. EPA/DOE Energy Star ratings; to lease office space that is convenient to public transportation, energy efficient and pedestrian and bicycle accessible; to purchase fuel-efficient, low-emission state-owned vehicles and maximize use of alternative transportation fuels, minimize travel, implement transit and ride-sharing incentive programs and telecommuting; and to purchase or lease Energy Star rated appliances and equipment, where possible, and use recycled paper-compatible office equipment.

Executive Order 48 also establishes the position of Senior Advisor for Energy Policy and the Governor’s Energy Policy Advisory Council, a board comprised of energy producer, consumer and conservation groups. Governor Kaine has appointed Stephen A. Walz, most recently the Director of Administration for the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, to serve as Senior Advisor for Energy Policy.

“Virginia is faced with substantial challenges to use energy more efficiently,” Governor Kaine said. “The Senior Advisor for Energy Policy and the Governor’s Energy Policy Advisory Council will provide much needed coordination and focus for dealing with this critical issue.”

Walz has worked on energy issues in Virginia government since 1980, managing the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy’s energy conservation and efficiency programs and directing Virginia’s Energy Office. He has 30 years of experience with energy efficiency, renewable energy development, coal and mineral mining, gas and oil development, and low-income weatherization and fuel assistance services. Walz will chair the Governor’s Energy Policy Advisory Council and continue to lead development of the Virginia Energy Plan.

Council members will be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Governor and will include representatives of Virginia’s energy providers and producers, residential, commercial and industrial energy consumers, Virginia’s conservation community, and the Secretaries of Natural Resources, Commerce and Trade, and Technology. The Council will review the recommendations set forth in the Virginia Energy Plan; evaluate strategies for implementing and monitoring the Plan; and identify additional energy policy options for the Commonwealth.

To view Executive Order 48 visit the Governor’s website at:

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Initiatives/ExecutiveOrders/2007/EO_48.cfm