Governor Paterson Announces Establishment Of New York Energy Policy Institute

Press Release

Existing Colleges, Universities and Research Centers in New York Will Coordinate Efforts for Energy Policy Development Funding Offered to Structure Research Centers into Energy Policy Resource for State Policymakers

Governor David A. Paterson today announced the creation of the New York Energy Policy Institute (NYEPI), a key initiative from the Governor's State of the State address. NYEPI will coordinate the work of New York's leading energy research centers, using their established expertise in the field to provide a resource for the state's energy policymakers. To facilitate this coordination, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) released a request for proposals to establish the policy institute.

"New York already has some of the brightest minds in the world and extensive academic expertise in the clean energy economy. For the first time, they will work together to provide analysis and strategies to inform State policy makers, and the beneficiaries will be the everyday New Yorkers who will get cheaper and cleaner energy," said Governor Paterson. "We are transforming New York State into the global leader in renewable energy resources and energy efficiency, and by doing so creating a self-sustaining economy that will put people to work and can export technology around the world."

Funding of up to $200,000 per year for up to three years has been allocated for this effort. Initially, NYEPI will concentrate on strategies that will introduce more energy efficiency and further reduce energy-derived pollution, while also providing for economic development and increased employment. Electric power generation, transmission and use and heating fuel use are expected to be core issues, then, further effort will work toward new and efficient transportation use within the State.

Francis J. Murray, Jr. NYSERDA president and CEO, said: "This effort will concentrate on three fields: policy, technology and education/training. Governor Paterson's aim is to structure the NYEPI so that it provides easy, collegial exchange and access to all parties. NYSERDA's background and established process for seeking research and development proposals will be able to fast-track the NYEPI groundwork. We would hope to see an organizational project contracted by the end of the year."

Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, Chair of the Senate Energy Committee, said: "Of these 18 top research centers, more than half can be found from the Capital Region to Western New York and from the Southern Tier up to the North Country. The establishment of the New York Energy Policy Institute will bring our top notch academic institutions to the table to set in motion policies that will help us foster economic growth, create good jobs, lure new investment and develop new technologies in Upstate New York. In combination with the state's energy plan, the formation of a permanent energy planning board, Green Jobs/Green NY, and the NY-BEST consortium, New York State is positioned to be a leader in the emerging green economy. I want to thank the Governor for his support and leadership."

Following the Governor's State of the State address, NYSERDA took the first step in establishing the NYEPI by commissioning a preliminary study to catalog the State's academic resources. It found 18 top research centers with more than 170 faculty members whose knowledge of the State's resources and needs, along with research expertise, could provide a strategic framework for future Empire State policy on energy recovery, generation, regulation and use.

The preliminary report also recommended that NYEPI be based in an academic institution, include both private and public academic institutions, allow for addressing multiple issues as they emerge, strive for funding and support from multiple institutions, and maintain objectivity in its activities.

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