WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Energy Policy Task Force issued a comprehensive energy strategy to guide energy policy decisions for the Commonwealth of Kentucky; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that government be run in the most efficient manner possible to provide quality services to our citizens; and
WHEREAS, by searching all of state government for inefficiencies and waste, it has been found that state government does not procure energy and natural resources in the most efficient way possible; and
WHEREAS, energy costs for state government agencies are escalating; and
WHEREAS, it has been estimated that energy efficiency initiatives within state government can save the citizens of Kentucky 10% per year on energy costs; and
WHEREAS, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has already taken steps to save $1.7 million in electricity bills by switching incandescent light-emitting diodes (LEDs) at more than 2,500 intersections statewide; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to fully review and consider the recommendations and suggestions of personnel throughout state government in a thoughtful, step by step, and methodical manner; and
WHEREAS, the efficiency and economy of government will be enhanced by establishing a council that will evaluate current state government utility costs and procurement practices and will make recommendations regarding energy savings initiatives with a goal of saving 10% of our current energy cost; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Energy Policy Task Force's report, Kentucky's Energy Opportunities for Our Future, recommended, "The Commonwealth of Kentucky, through the Finance and Administration Cabinet, should dedicate staff toward implementing an aggressive and sensible utility savings initiative throughout state government and other state-funded institutions to improve energy efficiency"; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth Energy Policy Task Force's report, Kentucky's Energy Opportunities for Our Future, recommended, "The Commonwealth of Kentucky should require interagency cooperation to promote energy efficiency initiatives".
NOW THEREFORE, I, Ernie Fletcher, Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, under the authority vested in me by the Kentucky Constitution, Sections 69 and 81, and KRS 12.029, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT the following:
I. There is hereby established a Utility Savings Council that is created for the purpose of evaluating energy costs throughout state government. The Council shall study the energy use and utility procurement practices of all state agencies and make recommendations, such as energy savings performance contracting and improved energy management that will produce cost savings, with the goal of saving at least 10% in energy costs annually throughout state government.
II. The Utility Savings Council shall be attached to the Finance and Administration Cabinet for administration purposes. The Council shall be comprised of the following members or their designees:
a. The Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet
b. The Secretary of the Commerce Cabinet,
c. The Secretary of the Transportation Cabinet,
d. The Secretary of the Justice Cabinet,
e. The Secretary of the Environmental and Public Protection Cabinet,
f. The Secretary of the Education Cabinet, and
g. The Chairman of the Public Service Commission.
III. The Cabinet Secretaries identified above and the Chairman of the Public Service Commission shall take all necessary actions to effectuate the provision of the Order.
Received and filed in the Secretary of State's Office on February 7, 2005.
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