New York's Clean Energy Commmunity Gathers to Promote Green Jobs and Investment

ALBANY, NY (10/17/2012)(readMedia)-- Building on New York's latest initiatives to attract business and investment, Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) held its sixth annual fall conference and membership meeting in Albany. State leaders and policymakers, industry representatives, and a broad array of renewable energy and environmental advocates joined attendees at the two-day event.

"Regions across New York State are working to develop long-term plans for sustainable economic growth, and clean energy businesses have an important role to play in job creation and community revitalization," said Carol E. Murphy, ACE NY Executive Director. "In bringing together ACE NY's members and supporters for a thoughtful discussion on the challenges and opportunities we face, this event has helped us identify how we can effectively move forward in growing and supporting New York's clean energy economy."

The conference, entitled Open for Business: Putting Clean Energy to Work in the Empire State, included several presentations and expert panel discussions on topics such as New York's State Energy Plan, green initiatives of the state's Regional Economic Development Councils, implementation of the reenacted Article 10 power plant siting law, and clean energy in the media.

The conference also featured keynote addresses by Stephen G. Whitley, President and CEO of the New York Independent System Operator, and Frank Murray, President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority.

During the conference ACE NY presented its annual Sustainable Energy Leadership Awards, which recognize outstanding work in support of clean energy and energy efficiency. The Outstanding Industry Leader Award was presented to Fred Zalcman, SunEdison's Managing Director of Regulatory Affairs for the Eastern United States. SunEdison is a leading global solar energy services provider, and subsidiary of MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. Mr. Zalcman was recognized for his dedicated efforts on behalf of creating a robust, self-sustaining market for solar energy in New York State.

"Alliance for Clean Energy New York has been instrumental in moving clean energy technologies into the mainstream of New York's economy," said Mr. Zalcman upon accepting his award. "It has truly been an honor to be associated with this preeminent organization from its inception, and I look forward to working with ACE NY in creating new opportunities going forward."

Outstanding Outreach Partner Awards were presented to Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Renewable Energy Long Island for their exemplary education and advocacy efforts on behalf of New York's entire renewable energy community. Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) is a not-for-profit organization that works to build widespread citizen awareness and advocacy for the protection of our natural environment and public health. Renewable Energy Long Island (reLI), also a not-for-profit organization, promotes clean, sustainable energy use and generation for Long Island.

"Citizens Campaign for the Environment is greatly honored to receive this esteemed award from our partners at ACE NY," said Adrienne Esposito, CCE Executive Director. "CCE is pleased that ACE NY is aggressively engaged in advancing a critical clean energy agenda for our state and works to bring together an array of diverse stakeholders. By working together, we can help guide New York State toward a clean, prosperous, renewable energy future."

"On behalf of reLI, I accept this award with great pride and enthusiasm for the future of renewable energy," said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island. "The strength of our partnerships with groups like ACE NY is a testament to the widespread support for New York's clean energy economy, and we look forward to continuing to promote sustainable energy use on Long Island and across all of New York State."

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About Alliance for Clean Energy New York

Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) is a broad coalition dedicated to promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, a healthy environment, and a strong economy for the Empire State, and is New York's premier advocate for the rapid adoption of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. www.aceny.org