New York Governor David Paterson has penned an executive order on Thursday that sets a goal for slashing state-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 80% below the
1990 levels by 2050.

Governor David Peterson said, "Climate change is the most pressing environmental issue of our time."

David Paterson's order calls for the creation of a climate action plan by September 2010 to pave the way for reaching 2050 goal.

On the other hand, American Clean Energy & Security Act is on its track to hack emissions by 83% below 2005 levels by 2050, and 17% below 2005 levels by 2020.

Fossil fuels such as coal and gasoline are primarily responsible for greenhouse gases.

It may be noted here that the 10 hottest years on record took place in the past 12 years.