Governors

Ashland, Bayfield, and Washburn Join Renewable Energy Partnership

August 12, 2008 -- WASHBURN – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle announced today that Ashland, Bayfield and Washburn are joining the Wisconsin Energy Independent Community (WEIC) Partnership.

“State and local government must lead by example, and I am proud Northwoods communities will join as partners and adopt the state’s energy goals,” Governor Doyle said. “Energy Independent Communities strengthen Wisconsin’s commitment to renewable energy leadership, and move forward energy policies that will clean our air and water, create jobs and save us money.”    » read more »

With $5 Million State Aid Package, Company Could be the First Pulp and Paper Mill to Operate without Fossil Fuels

August 13, 2008 -- PARK FALLS – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today visited the Flambeau River Papers mill and announced $5 million to help the company achieve its goal of being the first integrated pulp and paper mill in the nation to operate without the use of fossil fuels.    » read more »

Aug 13, 2008 -- SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - Utah Governor Jon Huntsman announced today that the Department of Agriculture and Food and the Department of Commerce are actively monitoring and analyzing Utah gas prices. In the most recent AAA gas report, the State's average price for unleaded gasoline was third highest in the nation.

"Gas prices are hitting everyone hard. As the rest of the country is seeing some relief from exorbitant gas prices, gas retailers in Utah have not shown Utahns a commensurate decrease at the pumps here at home," said Governor Huntsman. "We are asking these state agencies to monitor the situation within their enforcement powers to make sure Utahns are not being taken advantage of."    » read more »

Announces $478,000 to 78 Organizations to Stimulate Life-Long Learning

Aug. 13, 2008 -- HARRISBURG – With environmental issues gaining a greater share of the public’s attention, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell today said the commonwealth is supporting educational efforts to ensure that present and future generations of Pennsylvanians understand these issues and are prepared to address the related challenges.

“More and more, people are coming to understand that our actions have consequences for the natural world around us and they’re wondering how they can reduce their impact on the planet,” said Governor Rendell as he announced more than $478,000 in environmental education investments to schools and environmental groups across the state.    » read more »

Governor issues Executive Order outlining efforts to create more opportunity for minority and women owned businesses

August 13, 2008 -- (Salem) – Oregon Governor Kulongoski today announced he sent a letter to state agencies accompanying Executive Order 08-16, directing agencies to adopt aspirational targets to increase opportunities for minority and women owned businesses that are competing for state contracts. The executive order identifies agencies that have contracting needs that are a good match with existing certified minority and women owned businesses.    » read more »

August 13, 2008 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson has directed that flags on state government buildings across New York be flown at half-staff on Friday, August 15, 2008, in honor of New York City resident Sergeant Jose Ulloa, who died August 9, 2008 in Baghdad, Iraq.

Sergeant Ulloa was a member of the 515th Transportation Company, 28th Transportation Battalion, based in Mannheim, Germany.

“It is with deep regret that we acknowledge and mourn the death of Sergeant Ulloa,” said Governor Paterson. “On behalf of all New Yorkers I want to extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fellow soldiers of Sergeant Ulloa. His sacrifice to our country will never be forgotten.”    » read more »

Aug. 12, 2008 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson announced today that he will move ahead will a fiscally responsible CARE package of tax rebates for New Mexico families to reflect an updated revenue picture for the state.

“The bottom line is the state still expects $225 million in extra money – money that should go back to New Mexico families who are struggling to make ends meet,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “I am confident we can put money in people’s pockets in a fiscally responsible way."    » read more »

August 8, 2008 -- TRENTON – New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine today expressed disappointment over the U.S Environmental Protection Agency’s refusal to lower the nationwide Renewable Fuels Standard that calls for the production of nine billion gallons of ethanol and biodiesel this year and an even greater quantity during 2009.

“Corn belongs on the tables of our hard-working families, not in the gas tank,” Governor Corzine said. “The EPA’s decision is regrettable because food-to-fuel mandates drive up food prices and may do more to harm the environment than good.”    » read more »

Allows Deployed Military Personnel to Vote in State Elections

August 12, 2008 -- TRENTON - New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed legislation to expand voting rights for military personnel and New Jersey citizens overseas to include state and local elections. Previously overseas voters, including military personnel, could only vote by overseas absentee ballot in federal elections. This new legislation corrects a fundamental flaw in the law and will now allow for greater participation in the electoral process    » read more »

Request for Public Assistance Granted; Request for Individual Assistance Denied; Governor Requests FEMA Damage Assessments for Flood Damage

August 11, 2008 -- CONCORD — President Bush today granted New Hampshire Governor John Lynch’s request for a major disaster declaration for damage caused by the recent tornado. The President granted The Governor’s request for public assistance, but not individual assistance.

“FEMA’s damage assessment found that communities suffered major and costly damage,” Gov. Lynch said. “I’m pleased that President Bush has moved to issue this disaster declaration to provide financial assistance to communities."    » read more »

8/11/2008 -- Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer has ordered that the National flag and State flag be flown at half-staff on Wednesday morning, August 13th until sundown Thursday, August 14th to honor the memory of U.S. Army Private Timothy Hutton, who died in Iraq in August 4th, 2008, while in service to his country.

Source: Montana Governor

August 11, 2008 -- (JACKSON, Mississippi) - Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour has called a special election for September 23, 2008, to fill a vacancy in the state House of Representatives due to the recent resignation of Representative Daniel “Danny” Guice, Jr.

Guice, of Ocean Springs, had served in the Legislature since 1984 before he was appointed by the Governor to fill a vacant four-year term on the Mississippi Parole Board. Under Mississippi law, Guice was not allowed to concurrently serve as a member of the House of Representatives and the State Parole Board.

“I appreciate Danny’s distinguished years of service in the Legislature and look forward to his contributions as a member of the Parole Board,” Governor Barbour said.    » read more »

Construction set for four State E-85 facilities across Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August, 2008) – Just weeks after announcing plans to transition 500 MTA buses to hybrid, and days following the award of the highest grade ever for environmental initiatives from the Maryland League of Conservation Voters, Governor O’Malley was joined by Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and administration officials to present roadmap for a more sustainable transportation fuel system in Maryland, beginning with the construction of four new E-85 fuel pumps throughout Maryland.

To promote Maryland’s energy independence, Governor O’Malley outlined a plan that will combine consumer education, new technologies, and the development of an infrastructure such as the new facilities announced today.    » read more »

Tour Highlights Local Economic & Environmental Benefits of Shellfish Aquaculture in Coastal Bays

OCEAN CITY, MD (August 13, 2008) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley today, joined by Bay Cabinet members and Worcester County official, toured Chincoteague Bay, visiting a local oyster aquaculture business to explore and discuss the potential economic and environmental benefits of expanding Maryland’s aquaculture industry.    » read more »

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 11, 2008) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley released the following statement today regarding the fatal accident on the Bay Bridge:

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those involved in the accident that took place on the Bay Bridge early Sunday morning.

The unique nature of this incident and its aftermath have posed challenges for us all, but I want to commend the response of our State and local agencies and first responders for their quick and decisive action when they arrived on the scene. I also want to recognize the tremendous effort of the bridge inspection, engineering and maintenance crews that have worked diligently the past two days to make the necessary repairs and ensure the bridge is safe for travel.    » read more »