Expressing surprise that Bermuda’s carbon emissions are twice the world average, Senators pledged support for Government’s Energy White Paper with Opposition Senators questioning the cost of some of the document’s aims.As Bermuda explores alternative energy supplies, an Energy Regulatory Authority will retain oversight of different power-producing entities, Progressive Labour Party Senator David Burt said and Government will lead by example.“Rather than impose, we will demonstrate,” he said. “Rather than force a measure on the public, we will show the reasoning behind it.”Summarising Government’s nine-year plan to cut annual greenhouse emissions down to ten metric tons of carbon dioxide per capita by 2020, Sen Burt called the development of a sustainable energy policy “a national priority”.Opposition Senator Michael Fahy questioned how some of the White Paper’s “lofty goals”, such as the offshore wind farms or the 2020 benchmark, might be achieved, and at what cost.“It seems to me that, to meet a lot of these targets, much of it will be from education and individuals lowering their energy output,” he said.Calling herself a proponent of ‘every little bit helps’, Sen Kim Wilson said Government was already striving to educate the Island’s population on energy saving.Sen Diallo Rabain agreed, adding: “One spin off from the economic downturn is that people are looking to save electricity.Calling the White Paper “visionary and futuristic”, Sen Jonathan Smith said consumers could take comfort in the Regulatory Authority that would be created.Sen Vince Ingham called for the development of an infrastructure strategy, and said Hamilton’s waterfront development would tie in with an effective transport strategy.Opposition Senate Leader Michael Dunkley noted that public support for recycling had flagged, and said: “The main thing we need to do if we want to push change in the mindset, we need to do all we can to get people to buy in.”With a Regulatory Authority approved by Senators for the Island’s telecommunications sector, Sen Burt said: “It’s very likely that energy will be the second thing to get a regulator. It’s key to note that Bermuda is accustomed to light-touch regulations.”The Senate has adjourned until February 8.