Togiola takes a stand on greenhouse gas emissions

produced by ASG

Governor Togiola Tulafono has etched in stone the Administration’s commitment to focus in on the adverse impacts of global warming by issuing an Executive Order that addresses everything from the fuel efficiency rating of ASG vehicles to the replacement of incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent ones.

The Executive Order was issued last month, the same time the territory hosted the 18th meeting of the United States Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF), which meets two times a year to provide its members with a forum to coordinate plans on how to preserve and protect US coral reefs among federal agencies, state and territorial governments, and non governmental partners.

The Governor’s wishes were fully supported by members of the Task Force who commended Togiola’s relentless efforts in raising critical issues that would result in climate change, and better protection and management of our coral reefs.

The Executive Order requires ASG vehicles to have a minimum fuel efficiency rating of 20 MPG and prohibits the importation of vehicles that are over ten years old.

The importation of high phosphorous detergents will be prohibited effective October 1, 2007.

In addition, Togiola is calling for the purchase of hybrid vehicles at a rate of 5% and increasing to 50% by model year 2017.

Lastly, all ASG appliance and electronic purchases will have an USEPA Energy Star approval.

Beginning this year, the Governor intends to work together with the government and the people of neighboring Samoa, to develop a regional coral reef conservation initiative in order to achieve common goals and address shared concerns.