AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci signed an executive order Wednesday aimed at reducing emissions from state vehicles.

Administration officials said the initiative was designed to boost fuel economy within the state fleet, partially by increased reliance on hybrid vehicles, and to curb travel-related costs, with telecommuting listed as one possibility.

Baldacci, who billed the signing as a second annual event to promote energy conservation, said he was committed to “making Maine government a leader” environmentally.

Gubernatorial energy aide Beth Nagusky said talks were under way about whether the governor could modify his use of a sport utility vehicle driven by state police to achieve savings in fuel consumption while maintaining an adequate level of security.

Baldacci’s issuance of the executive order, scheduled in advance for St. Patrick’s Day, came just days after a group of religious leaders put forth a report encouraging the state to pursue fuel efficiency.

Maine has set a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010, with another 10 percent cut envisioned by 2020.

“The transportation sector is a huge emitter of greenhouse gases,” Nagusky said.

The executive order contemplates implementation without new costs to state government.

By next January, state officials are to review and report on existing telecommuting programs and, by January 2006, make recommendations after consulting with agencies that potentially would be affected.

Annually by Oct. 31, officials are to calculate carbon dioxide emissions associated with state governmental transportation.

“State government should assume a leadership role in addressing the serious risk of climate change by promoting more efficient use of energy in the transportation sector,” the executive order declares.

The order says further that “using energy more efficiently will also reduce the fuel costs of, and emissions from, operating the state’s fleet.”