Presidential Visit Highlights NY's Clean Energy Industry

ACE NY Members Contribute to Job Creation and Renewable Energy Goals As RPS Program Moves Forward

ALBANY, NY (01/21/2011)(readMedia)-- Today's visit from President Barack Obama to the GE Energy plant in Schenectady, which is also home to GE's renewable energy businesses, drew much attention and praise for the growing number of green collar jobs in the Capital District. As a member of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY), GE Energy joins a number of local companies supporting the growth of a thriving clean energy industry in New York State.

"GE is a global leader in renewable technologies and we are thrilled to see the company receive this well-deserved recognition. Although not yet household names, ACE NY has a number of other member companies throughout the Capital District and the State who are also creating jobs locally and helping New York become a leader in the clean energy revolution," said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY).

"We think President Obama's visit is an excellent opportunity to recognize the industry's progress and look toward the future. The untapped opportunities for renewable energy and energy efficiency range all the way from research and development to education and training to manufacturing and operations. We look forward to seeing New York fulfill this vast potential and lead the nation in green job creation," continued Ms. Murphy.

One of New York's primary drivers in the development of clean energy, the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program, also marked a major milestone this week with the announcement of $250 million available to new renewable generation facilities.

"New York's RPS program is a proven and successful approach to diversifying our energy portfolio while reducing fossil fuel usage and creating sustainable economic development opportunities. Seeing the program move forward is encouraging and sends an important signal that New York is committed to investing in renewable energy," commented Ms. Murphy.

The RPS goal mandates New York obtain 30 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2015, including both a Main Tier for large-scale generators and a Customer-Sited Tier for small-scale generation. This week the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which serves as the central procurement administrator for the RPS program, issued its sixth competitive solicitation in the Main Tier with approximately $250 million available. NYSERDA also published a tentative schedule for future solicitations through 2013.

As a result of solicitations issued to date, new renewable capacity supported by the RPS could reach nearly 1,562 MW by the end of 2012, putting progress toward the RPS target at 42% of the required 10.4 million MWh in 2015. A mid-course program evaluation found the facilities selected in the first three solicitations are expected to yield approximately $2.1 billion dollars in direct economic benefits over a 20-year life span. When broader economic effects are considered, total economic benefits reach more than $4.2 billion.

ABOUT ACE NY

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is a broad coalition dedicated to promoting clean energy, energy efficiency, a healthy environment, and a strong economy for the Empire State. As New York's premier advocate for the rapid adoption of clean energy alternatives and energy conservation, it is an active participant in public education and outreach efforts, legislative and regulatory affairs, and the oversight of electricity markets. ACE NY's diverse membership includes: nonprofit environmental, economic development, and consumer advocacy organizations; academic institutions; consultants to the clean energy sector; and private companies that produce or sell renewable energy technologies or energy efficiency services. www.aceny.org

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