State Energy Leaders and Advocates Gather in Support of New York's Clean Energy Economy

Alliance for Clean Energy New York Honors Clean Energy Leaders with Awards

ALBANY, NY (10/28/2011)(readMedia)-- State policymakers, renewable energy advocates, energy industry leaders and more than one hundred attendees met recently in Albany to learn first-hand about how to put sustainable energy plans into action and take the next steps forward in the transition to a clean energy economy at the Alliance for Clean Energy New York's (ACE NY) fifth annual fall conference and membership meeting.

"The clean energy industry is ready and willing to fulfill its role in overcoming today's economic and environmental challenges. 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 green economy," said Carol E. Murphy, ACE NY Executive Director.

The conference, entitled From Innovation to Implementation, included several presentations and expert panel discussions on topics such as grid integration of renewable energy technologies, New York's key areas of innovation, the newly reenacted Article X power plant siting law, and climate change education.

The conference also featured keynote addresses by Garry Brown, Chairman of the NYS Public Service Commission, and Jared Snyder, Assistant Commissioner for Air Resources, Climate Change and Energy at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

During the conference ACE NY presented its annual Sustainable Energy Leadership Awards, which recognize outstanding work in support of clean energy and energy efficiency. Outstanding Industry Leader Awards were presented to Albany-based renewable energy consulting firm AWS Truepower, and Patrick Doyle, Vice President of Development at Ridgeline Energy, which specializes in developing, constructing and operating community and utility scale wind and solar energy projects across the United States and Canada.

"Over the past 25 years, New York's progressive energy environment has helped our company grow into a national leader in renewable energy consulting," noted Bruce Bailey, President and CEO of AWS Truepower. "Our staff is committed to helping make wind and solar energy projects successful and a greater part of our energy mix."

"I'm honored to have been chosen for this award," said Patrick Doyle. "Wind and solar are playing a vital role in transforming New York's electricity grid to a truly sustainable mix of clean, efficient, and renewable energy, while realizing the jobs and economic promise of these emerging industries. Clean energy technologies are also helping New York meet its aggressive green energy goals, improving our air quality, and leaving the world a better place for our children."

Outstanding Outreach Partner Awards were presented to Sustainable CUNY for its major impact on increasing solar power production in New York City via leadership of the NYC Solar America City Partnership, and to Shaun Chapman of the Vote Solar Initiative, for his exemplary outreach and education efforts on behalf of New York's entire renewable energy community.

On receiving the award, Tria Case, University Director of Sustainability and lead for the NYC Solar America City Partnership commented, "CUNY is proud to be leading a collaborative process among NYC stakeholders aimed at removing barriers to the largest commercial market in the country and creating a more seamless transition from existing energy resources to clean and renewable resources. Initial efforts have resulted in a six fold increase in solar production and the quadrupling of solar installation companies in NYC, a clear sign of growth in our clean energy economy."

"On behalf of Vote Solar, I accept this award with great pride," said Shaun Chapman of the Vote Solar Initiative. "The opportunity to work with such an exemplary group of leaders and advocates for renewable energy – especially for the New York Solar Jobs Act – has been the reward. We have an incredible opportunity to reclaim our energy future in New York with clean power. That opportunity was not given to us, but rather created by hard work by inspirational partners like ACE NY and everyone in this diverse and strong coalition."

(Photos from the award ceremony are available for review and download online. Please call Laura Lyman at 518-432-1405 for more information.)

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About the Alliance for Clean Energy New York

The 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