Cary, N.C. — Gov. Bev Perdue on Thursday announced her energy reform package to attract businesses, create jobs and promote a sustainable green economy in North Carolina.

Perdue said a green economy is a "cornerstone" of her vision for the state's economic future and that her reforms will lay the foundation for the state to lead the nation in green energy.

“The state that gets ‘green’ right will own the next 50 years,” Perdue said. “I intend for North Carolina to be that state.”

She made the announcement at the SAS Solar Farm in Cary, which provides solar-generated power to Progress Energy. The more-than-5,000 solar panels reduce carbon emissions each year by an estimated 1,600 tons.

Highlights of the governor’s energy plan include moving the state energy office to the Department of Commerce to improve coordination across programs to deliver services more efficiently and effectively.

Perdue also wants to establish an Energy Investment Revolving Loan Fund with $18 million in federal stimulus money to provide low- and no-interest loans to finance energy-saving projects at businesses, local governments, schools, nonprofits and other places

Another $10 million in federal recovery funds will go to the Green Business Fund. It awards competitive grants to businesses and organizations with projects in bio-fuels, green construction, environmentally friendly technology and renewable energy products.

Other highlights of her plan include using nearly $7 million in federal recovery funds to provide training for green jobs and $72 million in other energy efficiency and renewal energy projects in small businesses and industries, as well as cities and counties.