2009 Governor's State of the State speeches: on Energy & Oil

Phil Bredesen: Green energy growth: develop a Solar Institute

We are extraordinarily well-positioned here and in the next couple of years, I want to wrap this up even tighter. Here's an idea about how we might go about that: develop a Solar Institute that is the basic research leader in making solar power practical.

Solar power today is a tiny part of the power equation. It remains far too expensive, and it's ripe for breakthroughs. There's a lot of basic science to be done. We have the pieces--the building blocks--here in Tennessee to be major players in this area.

Jon Huntsman: Make Utah the premier destination for renewable energy

Just as Wall Street is known for finance and Silicon Valley for technology, by 2012, I believe Utah can become the premier destination in America for renewable energy!

And don't tell me it can't be done! In just this past year alone, we have witnessed in Utah the opening of a solar farm, a hydroelectric plant, a wind farm and a geothermal plant. To support this energy development, innovation at our higher education campuses is running at an all-time high, like technologies that will ensure the long-term viability of our abundant natural resources. The University of Utah is now second only to MIT in commercialization of cutting-edge research.

Rick Perry: $5,000 incentive for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Rather than wait for more mandates and punishments for environmental non-attainment, let's continue encouraging innovation. I support giving Texans in the non-attainment areas of our state a $5,000 incentive towards a purchase of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles, using the funds Texans have already paid to reduce emissions, while providing a unique way to store wind energy. This will keep Texas competitive in an emerging technology and take advantage of an energy portfolio that grows deeper and more diverse every day.

Sarah Palin: Sues federal EPA for misusing Endangered Species Act

Vital projects now underway show how much science and technology have improved in a generation, greatly reducing risk to the environment. Continued work in Cook Inlet and on the North Slope, new drilling at Nikaitchug, new exploration in NPRA--these projects and more will be carried out with the safest methods.

Sarah Palin: Goal of 50% of Alaska electric power from renewable sources

This includes meeting my goal of generating 50% of our electric power with renewable sources. That's an unprecedented policy across the US but we're the state that can do it with our abundant renewables, and with Alaskan ingenuity.

In our energy plan, for the first time, Alaskans will see cooperation among our utilities. We'll introduce legislation creating the joint utility corporation to finally accomplish this. We will have coordinated power generation that will finally make sense for consumers.

Bill Richardson: Start carbon trading in 11-state Western Climate region

Tim Kaine: Major attention on creating green jobs

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, at my direction, has just completed an aggressive marketing plan to promote Virginia's business case for new investments in renewable energy production and energy efficiency projects. And I have created an Interagency Task Force for Energy Project Recruitment that will work with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to build Virginia's compelling case for renewable energy-related businesses.

Every institution in Virginia is working on innovative new energy projects--transportation fuel cells at Virginia Tech, energy-efficient buildings at UVA, algae-based biodiesel at ODU, and new energy crops at Virginia State University.

Tim Kaine: Reduce electricity consumption by 19% by 2025

I have proposed to implement the Climate Change Commission's top recommendation--the reduction of electricity consumption by 19% of current levels by 2025, with appropriate adjustments for population growth.

Tim Kaine: Nuclear reactors will be key to America's energy future

Orbital, the Virginia-based space company, was awarded a $1.9 billion contract by NASA to launch rockets and satellites into space from Wallops Island, making Virginia one of the centers of the nation's new and innovative space industry.

David Paterson: 45 by 15: 45% clean electricity by 2015

Today, I announce one of the most ambitious clean energy goals in America. By 2015, New York will meet 45 percent of its electricity needs through improved energy efficiency and clean renewable energy. We call this our "45 by 15" program. Now is the time for us to change how New York uses energy. Now is the time for New York to take an energetic step toward shaping our future.

This effort will help rebuild our economy, meet our energy needs, and protect our environment.

Jodi Rell: Energy and heating assistance for families in need

We produced a package of proposals aimed at providing energy and heating assistance for families in need, as well as for the elderly, schools and non-profits. And we paid outright for these proposals. And while prices have come down, regrettably, more and more people still need our help.