NEWBURGH – Elected officials and representatives from environmental organizations gathered on the banks of the Hudson River to launch Hudson Valley Clean Energy Communities initiative, part of a statewide campaign to go green. During the launch event hosted by the Hudson Valley Regional Council at SUNY Orange Newburgh, elected officials from Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester counties learned about the new statewide Clean Energy Communities initiative.
“It’s a truly great day for clean energy,” noted Betta
Broad, Outreach Director for New Yorkers for Clean Power, who said New
York is a leader in renewable energy implementation.
“We can transition in five years,” said Broad, conceding that may be a bit optimistic
The New York State Energy Research & Development (NYSERDA) program will offer support of $50,000 to $250,000, under the Clean Energy Fund, to municipalities and other local jurisdictions to invest in local projects and policies that will help implement and transition to renewable energy, energy efficiency and clean transportation, save energy costs and create jobs while improving the environment.
“This new program from NYSERDA is going to help us take it to the next level,” said Broad. “So we’re here today with local leaders, with elected officials, people who are committed to bringing clean energy solutions to their communities.”
Rosendale Town Councilwoman and Co-Director of Hudson Valley-based Citizens
for Local Power, Jen Metzger put it into the context of what they see
are troublesome area projects.
“We recognize the need to shift to a clean energy economy,” Metzger said. “We’re also fighting a fossil fuel infrastructure project like the Pilgrim Pipeline, and the solution in the long term is to do away with the need for these kinds of projects altogether.”
Broad said there is a timeline for this.
“Ideally, we want to transition New York State as quickly as possible,” Broad said. “I think by working together with our local elected officials and community leaders, with the great resources that are available, from New York State and from NYSERDA, we can transition in five years.”
Broad conceded that may be a bit optimistic.
