STATE OF CONNECTICUT
BY HER EXCELLENCY
M. JODI RELL
GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 17
WHEREAS, in September of 2006, I unveiled a comprehensive plan for Connecticut’s energy future called “Connecticut’s Energy Vision, For a Cleaner, Greener State” (“CT’s Energy Vision”).
WHEREAS, the CT’s Energy Vision put forward a comprehensive plan designed to: reduce the State’s reliance on fossil fuels; chart the path for an energy future that focuses on alternative, clean and environmentally friendly energy sources; create incentives for efficient energy choices, make conservation a critical component of state energy policy; strengthen state planning for energy needs and create real savings for consumers.
WHEREAS, The Connecticut Climate Change Action Plan 2005 includes a recommended action for the State procurement of environmentally preferable services and products by increasing preferences for products and services that decrease Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and/or mitigate climate change impact; and
WHEREAS, Public Act 04-252 established a goal for the state to reduce GHG emissions to contribute to the regional GHG reduction goals of 1990 levels by 2010 and 10% below 1990 levels by 2020; and
WHEREAS, Reducing demand for electricity and other energy sources will reduce green house gas emissions associated with global warming; and
WHEREAS, Energy efficiency is recognized as the most cost effective means for reducing the demand for electricity, controlling electric system growth and long term costs, and yielding real cost benefits for the consumer; and
WHEREAS, Utilizing energy efficient appliances and equipment will help mitigate Federally Mandated Congestion Charges (FMCCs) that Connecticut rate payers are subject to; and
WHEREAS, State agencies purchased 670 million kilowatt hours of electricity at a cost of $62.6 million in state fiscal year 2005; and
WHEREAS, The Energy Star® label indicates that appliances and equipment meet all U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency standards for energy efficiency; and
WHEREAS, Energy Star® estimates energy and cost savings to businesses, organizations and consumers utilizing Energy Star® certified appliances and equipment of approximately $12 billion nationally in 2005; and
WHEREAS, CT’s Energy Vision called for state agencies to assume a leadership role in conservation and the use of energy efficient products and equipment.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, acting by virtue of the authority vested in me by the constitution and by the statutes of this state, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT that:
All future equipment and appliances purchased by and for executive branch state agencies shall be Energy Star® certified, provided such Energy Star® certified equipment and appliances are commercially available.
The Department of Administrative Services, in consultation with the Office of Policy and Management and the Department of Environmental Protection shall establish and publish guidelines to provide direction to all executive branch state agencies with the implementation of this Executive Order.
The Department of Administrative Services shall provide the Office of the Governor with a report assessing the effectiveness of this Executive Order within one year of the effective date of this Executive Order.
Municipal governments, political subdivisions and school districts that are not expressly subject to the requirements of this Executive Order are encouraged to comply with the provisions of this Executive Order. Such entities may seek guidance and assistance consistent with the provisions of Paragraph 2 of this Executive Order from the Departments of Administrative Services, Environmental Protection and the Office of Policy and Management.
This Order shall take effect immediately.
Dated at Hartford the __ day of February, 2008
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M. Jodi Rell,
Governor
