Gov. David A. Paterson [1] endorsed the Long Island Power Authority's [2] plan to use solar power to sustain more than 6,500 homes on Long Island and reducing carbon emissions by 20,000 tons. LIPA issued a request for proposals on Tuesday, after a recommendation by the Governor's Renewable Energy Task Force cited it as a way to reduce the state's carbon footprint.

LIPA's plan would create the largest block of solar energy in New York state.According to Newsday [3], LIPA envisions that the photovoltaic arrays will be installed at school buildings, on commercial and municipal rooftops, at parking lots, atop landfills, and at brownfield sites. This innovative project could further stimulate the solar marketplace throughout the state, fostering the creation of more “green collar” jobs. LIPA will award contracts in October.

Despite the governor's endorsement, the state will not help defray the costs of the initiative, which LIPA has yet to fully estimate. While the project is seen as a step in the right direction toward meeting the challenge of energy demand throughout the state and developing a comprehensive renewable energy plan, some advocates believe more ambitious goals need to be set.