5-Step Energy Action Plan
for Regional, State & Federal Officials & Agencies*

This plan is for the elected officials who represent this region: President Bush, Senator Kennedy, Senator Kerry, Representative Delahunt, Governor Patrick, State Senators, State Representatives & County Commissioners. It also is for federal, state, and county agencies. Implementing these actions will help accelerate progress toward a sustainable energy future, while using the Comments function represents a new way to interact with and get input from constituents.

1. Lead by example. Demonstrate green thinking and meet or exceed state and federal standards relating to conservation, efficiency, green building, renewables, climate mitigation, recycling, pollution prevention, and environmentally preferred purchasing.
2. Be agents of change. Create and implement laws, policies, incentives, programs, regulations, and institutions to help everyone practice resource efficiency, avoid use of harmful substances, and increase reliance on renewable energy.
3. Know the facts. Make decisions based on scientific information and research tools, support development and demonstration of new technological and behavioral approaches for going green, and monitor impacts and progress.
4. Anticipate the future. Take the lead in helping communities, agencies, residents, and businesses adapt to climate change, insulate themselves against rising energy costs, and promote sustainable economic development.
5. Educate, listen to, and involve constituents. Host public forums and expand outreach programs to inform local stakeholders on critical issues, get their input, and engage them in accelerating progress toward a better energy future.

This is only an initial, qualitative energy action plan for regional, state, and federal officials and agencies. Later this year, a quantitative Regional Energy Action Plan (REAP) for Agencies & Officials is to be created consistent with the following long-term goals relating to energy independence, economic development, and climate change:

• Generate sufficient renewable energy in the Cape & Islands region to meet 100% of net annual electricity needs by 2020
• Reduce direct use of fossil fuels for heating and transport applications in the Cape & Islands region by 50% relative to 2006 consumption

These regional goals were established by representatives from businesses, environmental advocacy groups, regional and state agencies, business associations, educational and research institutions, and nonprofits participating in a “Beyond Cape Wind” visioning session organized through the Cape & Islands Renewable Energy Collaborative. Click here for more information on REAP development and the “Beyond Cape Wind” stakeholder process.