Despite Bloomberg's faults (which are considerable) his environmental policies set forth in April were outstanding. If only the President would institute such projects nation-wide. One of the things the President is known for is talking tough and doing little when it comes to actually helping the American people. Here in New York, plans are being put into action rather quickly.
From WNYC:
NEW YORK, NY June 12, 2007 —Mayor Bloomberg wants to use solar power and cleaner-burning heating oil in municipal buildings.
He said the city will issue a request for proposals for a pilot program to install solar panels on city-owned buildings in hopes of generating 2 megawatts of solar capacity - about the same as taking more than 50 cars a year off the streets. New York won't pay for the installation, but will buy electricity from the provider.
By next summer, city buildings will be using a bio-diesel blend for heating oil. The renewable fuel emits far less soot than standard heating oil.
Replacing 50 cars doesn't seem like much but if the pilot program works like it is supposed to, we could see major change in a short time. The fact that NYC taxpayers won't have to pay for installation costs is a bonus as well. Replacing standard heating oil is also a nice touch. The city uses gobs of it in the winter and using a bio-diesel blend makes good sense. I am glad to see good proposals being implemented.
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