Statement from ACE NY on Governor Cuomo's State of the State Address

ALBANY, NY (01/09/2013)(readMedia)-- The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY), a statewide coalition of clean energy and environmental advocates, praised Governor Andrew M. Cuomo for his continued support of New York's clean energy economy in today's State of the State address.

"We are encouraged by the progress Governor Cuomo has made in his first two years in office," said Valerie Strauss, Interim Executive Director of ACE NY. "As the state moves forward with upgrading and improving our energy infrastructure, we appreciate the Governor's recognition of the important role clean energy and energy efficiency have to play in modernizing and fortifying the electric grid, creating new jobs, and fostering a healthier environment."

"The major storms and hurricanes of the past two years have demonstrated vulnerabilities in New York's energy infrastructure. In order to effectively prepare for the future, investing in clean energy and reducing our overall energy consumption has to be part of the equation. We wholeheartedly agree with the Governor's call for transmission upgrades, investment in smart grid technologies, and increasing incentives for clean distributed generation like fuel cell, solar and small wind systems. We also applaud the Governor for endorsing a Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) cap low enough to guarantee that we continue to reduce emissions below current levels."

"Energy remains a complex and ever-changing landscape, and state policies must be flexible and forward-thinking in order to capture all the economic, public health and environmental benefits of clean power. The Governor's proposal to create a NY Green Bank is an innovative approach to spurring greater investment in clean energy, and we look forward to working with the Cuomo administration on its successful development. Now is the time to extend and expand the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard, including solar power and onshore and offshore wind energy, and we hope to see the Green Bank and all of New York's clean energy programs complement and enhance one another in a way that facilitates full development of our renewable resources."

"We commend Governor Cuomo's appointment of Richard Kauffman to serve as Chairman for Energy Policy and Finance. Mr. Kauffman is a welcome addition to the Governor's Cabinet and has an excellent opportunity to renew the state's focus on clean tech industries. With the proper support, we strongly believe New York can and will become home to the nation's leading clean economy."

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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