New York Gov. David Paterson signed an executive order yesterday that establishes a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the state by 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

The order calls for the creation of a Climate Action Council comprised of state agency top brass to draw up a draft Climate Action Plan by September 2010. A range of actions are to be undertaken by the council, such as the creation of a greenhouse gas inventory, economic analyses of potential strategies, identifying emissions reduction opportunities and constraints, setting timelines, and coordinating efforts with the state energy planning board.

“Climate change is the most pressing environmental issue of our time,” Gov. Peterson said in a statement. “By taking action, we send a signal that New Yorkers will do our share to address the climate crisis and we will do it in a way that creates opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship to flourish.”

New York, which is a member of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, joins other states in setting emissions reductions goals, most notably California. The Sunshine State’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, however, is state law mandating an interim goal of reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, in addition to a long-term goal of cutting emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

In comparison, the American Clean Energy and Security Act working its way through Congress is targeting emissions reductions of 83 percent below 2005 levels by 2050, and 17 percent below 2005 levels by 2020.