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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

New York grows green-energy plan

Associated Press

NEW YORK – New York City plans to build solar power plants on capped landfills and launch a loan program to help property owners pay for energy efficiency upgrades.

The initiatives are part of an update to the city’s 4-year-old PlaNYC environmental road map.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg plans to announce the update today. His office released details Wednesday night.

The plan was launched Earth Day 2007. It aims to reduce the city’s greenhouse gas emissions 30 percent by 2030. Emissions already have dropped 13 percent from 2005 levels, according to the city.

Bloomberg’s administration estimates that building solar plants on the surfaces of landfills could generate up to 50 megawatts of power.

The city also plans to use $40 million in federal stimulus funds to launch the New York City Energy Efficiency Corp. to help property owners get financing for green improvements.