Task Force Reconvenes to Promote Renewable Energy Agenda

Press Release

TASK FORCE RECONVENES TO PROMOTE RENEWABLE ENERGY AGENDA

Core Issue Areas Include Renewable Fuels, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Electricity Central Generation, and Renewable Electricity Distributed Generation

Lieutenant Governor David A. Paterson, Chair of the State's Renewable Energy Task Force, joined the other members of the Renewable Energy Task Force in creating a framework for New York to develop and promote renewable energy technologies. The second meeting of the Task Force integrated the work of subcommittees that have met over the course of the year. The four subcommittees of the Renewable Energy Task Force are: Renewable Fuels, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Electricity Central Generation, and Renewable Electricity Distributed Generation. The members include representatives from New York's renewable energy and alternative fuel industries, environmental and agricultural communities, academia, local government, energy policy, environmental justice, green building and industry development sectors, and various state entities.

"Our renewable energy strategy is critically important to improving the reliability of our energy supply, supporting our economy, and protecting our environment," said Governor Spitzer. "The Task Force has been working diligently to build a comprehensive renewable energy agenda for New York and I am confident that together we will make New York a national leader in renewable energy development."

Lieutenant Governor Paterson said: "I applaud the process by which the Task Force is considering these issues. We are asking the hard questions such as: Why are renewable industries locating in surrounding states and how do we utilize and maximize New York's resources? Identifying the challenges we face is a critical step towards maximizing our potential in a way that is environmentally balanced and economically sustainable. This Task Force's expertise and knowledge will chart a course for successfully addressing these issues for a sustainable future in New York."

Gil Quiniones, Senior Vice President of New York City Economic Development Corporation and Chair of the Distributed Generation Sub-Committee, said: "Taking a hard look at the role renewable energy can play in the State's long-term energy needs is imperative right now, especially as New York City looks to increase its reliance on renewable energy as part of PlaNYC. Renewable energy is at the intersection of issues such as energy security, climate change and business growth, and gathering the various stakeholders from across the state has been invaluable to developing a progressive strategy to address it."

Under the state's current Renewable Portfolio Standard, New York must meet a goal of 25 percent renewable energy generation by 2013. The Task Force is evaluating how the State will reach this goal and potentially exceed it in part by identifying and expanding potential market areas where the state can increase its use of renewable energy and alternative fuels. In addition, the Task Force is working on advancing methods to assist the Governor's 15 x 15 initiative, which requires reducing our electricity consumption 15 percent below forecasted levels by 2015.

The Task Force addressed issue areas pivotal to advancing renewable energy technologies in New York State, such as the availability of resources, attracting more "green" energy distributors, and evaluating existing laws and regulations governing the use of renewable energy technologies in residential and nonresidential facilities.

The meeting was held at 7 World Trade Center, a structure renowned for its environmental sensitivity and energy efficiency. Scott Frank, Partner of Jaros Baum & Bolles, the consulting engineering firm involved with 7 World Trade Center, provided an overview of the building's green attributes before the Task Force at today's meeting. He said: "The work of the Lieutenant Governor's Renewable Energy Task Force is both critical and timely to promote the use of green building and renewable energy technologies here in New York. New York must take steps to become a national leader in the development, manufacturing and use of these technologies. This Task Force is charting a course for removing the barriers which have hindered New York from developing a much needed market for green technologies."

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