“We believe these are reasonable requirements that should be extended beyond wind energy companies. They should be applied to all companies engaged in significant projects necessitating municipal permits. For years, ACE NY member companies have found constructive and beneficial ways to work in partnership with local governments while constructing wind energy projects. This code finally eliminates any confusion and establishes a clear code of conduct for local communities and developers alike.”

STATE ENERGY LEADERS AND ADVOCATES GATHER TO DISCUSS BUILDING NEW YORK’S GREEN ENERGY ECONOMY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:          
10/22/08                    

CONTACT: 
Carol E. Murphy, 518-432-1405  
David Nachtweih, 646-789-7685

(ALBANY, NY- October 22) – Building on New York’s achievements in promoting clean power sources, the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) held a two-day conference to discuss the continuing development of New York’s Green Energy Economy.

"We have an excellent opportunity to develop a Green Economy that will place us at the forefront of environmental and green energy technology and innovations," said Carol Murphy, ACE NY Executive Director. "Especially in this time of fiscal constraints, the pursuit of clean energy options can provide both short term and long term economic benefits as well as protecting the planet for future generations."

The conference, hosted in Albany from October 21-22, featured a keynote address by the Associate Deputy Minister for Energy of the Government of Quebec, Daniel Bienvenue, on the challenge of moving away from carbon, and a luncheon speech by Steve Whitley, President and CEO of the New York Independent System Operator, which manages New York’s electric grid and energy markets. The conference also included presentations by NYS Deputy Secretary of Energy Paul DeCotis, New York City Economic Development Corporation’s Senior Vice President Jim Gallagher, and ACE NY Executive Director Carol Murphy.

During the conference, ACE NY also recognized Energy Chairmen, New York State Senator George Maziarz and New York Assemblyman Kevin Cahill with individual Public Policy Leadership Awards for their work on green energy issues, including the passage of an expanded net metering law, in the Legislature. They both were presented with awards made from recycled, emerald green glass.

"As we work together with our local, state and regional partners to develop New York’s Green Economy, it’s important we recognize the critical role our legislators play in the process," Bruce Bailey, ACE NY Board Chairman and President and CEO of AWS Truewind, said. "The efforts of Assemblyman Cahill and Senator Maziarz this past year resulted in all New Yorkers now having the ability to truly take advantage of green energy options for their homes and businesses."

"New York has a clear opportunity to be a regional and national leader by developing a robust Green Economy," Senator George Maziarz said. "I’m honored to accept this award from ACE NY, an organization that’s been at the forefront of the clean energy movement, and I’m committed to making sure we take advantage of our opportunities here in New York."

"New York's continued commitment to advancing the research, development and application of clean, renewable energy technologies is critical to the future of our environment and our economic security," said Assemblyman Kevin Cahill. "The resources and expertise provided by ACE and its individual members have been very valuable in our efforts to advance green solutions to our energy challenges."

The conference was ACE NY’s second annual, and the organization continues to be the leader in advocacy efforts to develop energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy sources for the State of New York.

###

The Adirondack Council * Alliance for Clean Energy New York * Citizens Campaign for the Environment * Environmental Advocates of New York * Environmental Defense Fund * Hudson River Sloop Clearwater * Natural Resources Defense Council * NYPIRG * Pace Energy and Climate Center * Sierra Club – Atlantic Chapter * Western Climate Action Coalition  

PRESS RELEASE

For immediate release:    
September 15, 2008

For more information:        
Erica Ringewald, (518) 210-9903, Environmental Advocates of New York
Laura Haight, (518) 436-0876 ext. 258, NYPIRG
John Sheehan, (518) 432-1770, The Adirondack Council

(Albany, NY) The New York State Energy Research & Development Authority (NYSERDA) is expected to vote to adopt regulations to implement the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) in New York State today. The RGGI is the 10-state plan to reduce the power plant pollution that is changing our climate.

The adoption of these regulations sets the stage for New York to participate in the nation’s first auction of carbon dioxide (CO2) permits as part of a cap-and-trade system that will hold the allowed level of CO2 emissions constant through 2014, and then gradually reduce those levels. Along with New York, RGGI states include Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Vermont. The first auction of CO2 emissions allowances is scheduled for September 25th, and will include six of the 10 RGGI states. The remaining states—including New York—are on track to participate beginning with the second round on December 19th.

Environmental and energy groups have closely followed the progress of RGGI regulations and celebrated the State Environmental Board approval of Department of Environmental Conservation regulations for the plan in August. While the same groups applaud NYSERDA’s action today, the groups call into question claims by power producers that the regional climate plan will increase New Yorkers’ utility bills.

“Rising energy costs are a critical issue for all New Yorkers. In the long-run the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will save consumers money and reduce the pollution that is changing our climate,” said Jackson Morris, Environmental Advocates of New York. “Statements by opponents to the regional climate plan about high costs are speculative and not based on sound analysis or research.”

According to research, for a typical New York residential customer, the projected increase translates into a retail bill increase of .78 cents. For commercial and industrial customers, the projected retail cost increase ranges from .9 to 1.7 percent in 2015, respectively.

“With the adoption of these regulations, we look forward to seeing New York begin auctioning pollution credits in December," said Laura Haight, senior environmental associate with NYPIRG. “This money should be strategically invested to benefit consumers and our environment. One of the biggest bangs for the buck is energy efficiency programs, such as home weatherization retrofits. This will save homeowners on their utility bills, reduce energy use, and create jobs in the private sector.”

The modest bill impacts and other figures put forth during the multi-year stakeholder process are based on extensive/sophisticated modeling conducted by numerous researchers and agencies, including NYSERDA, New York Department of Public Service, and others.

“RGGI is a crucial first step in combating climate change by helping to level the playing field between fossil fuels and renewable power,” said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. “By investing the funds generated by the allowance auctions in efficiency and clean energy technologies we can provide long term relief from volatile fuel prices and build a more secure domestic energy supply,” added Ms. Murphy.

For example, modeling conducted by the Massachusetts Division of Energy Resources shows that for the entire RGGI region doubling our investment in efficiency would result in recurring utility bill reductions from $66 to $109 per year. In general, these analyses found that economic effects of RGGI are small and positive.

“We need to preserve the strong link between how the proceeds from the RGGI auction are spent and the underlying causes of climate change,” said James Van Nostrand, Executive Director of the Pace Energy and Climate Center. “Using the proceeds for energy efficiency would preserve this link by reducing the need for electric generation, and would also provide long-term benefits for utility customers coping with the high costs of energy.” 

The RGGI was designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Northeast power plants. In addition to the direct cuts associated with implementing the program that begins in January 2009, auctioning emissions allowances under RGGI also provides revenue for programs that can further reduce pollution.

“In 1984, New York created the nation's first cap-and-trade program for air pollution, aimed at controlling the smokestack emissions that causes acid rain. Critics said we were crazy to put ourselves at a competitive disadvantage by imposing rules on ourselves that other states weren't willing impose,” said Brian L. Houseal, Executive Director of the Adirondack Council, a national leader in the fight against acid rain. “But the very next year, New England states began to impose similar rules.  Five years later, Congress had amended the Clean Air Act to create a national program based on New York's model.  That is exactly what we hope will happen with RGGI and climate change. We just hope it happens faster.”

In the years ahead, strategic use of RGGI revenues can save New York consumers money by ramping up funding for programs such as the residential New York Energy Smart Loan Fund Program. Participants receive almost $500 in savings annually for 10 years, for a total of up to $4,650 in offset expenses on interest payments. Furthermore, a household would realize up to 40 percent reductions on their home heating and electric bills—savings that continue to accrue every month of every year into the foreseeable future. 

New York State is currently finalizing regulations and auction mechanics and will be ready for the second auction in December.

REPORT CALLS FOR GREEN INVESTMENT

Study says New York would be big beneficiary of massive "energy security" program

By LARRY RULISON, Business writer
First published: Wednesday, September 10, 2008

ALBANY -- A new report says New York can create more than 130,000 jobs in the clean energy sector, significantly reducing unemployment rates in just two years.

The data were contained in "Green Recovery," published Tuesday by the Center for American Progress, a think tank in Washington, D.C., and the Political Economy Research Institute of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

The report calls for a $100 billion program to create 2 million "green energy" jobs across the country over two years. Green jobs include those in the solar and wind power fields, mass transit, electric transmission and energy-efficient building construction.

The report estimates New York's share of such a program would be $7.1 billion, creating 131,991 new jobs. It would reduce unemployment in the state from 5.2 percent to 3.8 percent.

Carol Murphy, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, an Albany-based trade and advocacy group, said the numbers listed in the report appear doable.

She said similar job-creation numbers have been discussed by Gov. David Paterson's renewable energy task force, of which she is a member.

"This seems very much in line with what we've been talking about," she said. "The numbers seem very reasonable."

The Capital Region is home to several promising clean energy companies, and General Electric Co. has made Schenectady the headquarters for its renewable energy division. A handful of wind developers doing business in the state also have offices in Albany.

The report was issued on the same day Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson released a new 100-day energy action plan published by The Council on Competitiveness, a nonpartisan group of corporate, university and labor leaders.

Jackson announced the plan at a National Press Club luncheon, which called for the creation of a $200 billion National Clean Energy Bank that would be used to fund investment in clean energy technology through loans, long-term financing and equity investments. The fund would be modeled after the U.S. Export-Import Bank.

Jackson is vice chairwoman of the Council on Competitiveness, and co-chair of its Energy Security, Innovation and Sustainability Initiative.

The plan, which is designed to provide the next U.S. president with an energy road map, also calls for a $250 billion initiative to create clean energy research labs across the country.

"Energy security is the greatest challenge and the greatest opportunity of our time," she said. "A national call to action will ignite our collective imagination, spark a new era of innovation, stimulate our economy, open new markets, unleash our national potential, and enhance our economic and national security."

Larry Rulison can be reached at 454-5504 or by e-mail at lrulison@timesunion.com.
    

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 8, 2008

CONTACTS:
Carol E. Murphy (ACE NY), 518-432-1405
Loren Riegelhaupt, 917-921-1850

CORRECTED RELEASE: Alliance for Clean Energy New York Declares Session a Success for Energy Issues

**CORRECTION**

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 26, 2008

CONTACT:
Jan Messerschmidt, 212-561-8730 x229

ALLIANCE FOR CLEAN ENERGY NEW YORK DECLARES SESSION A SUCCESS FOR ENERGY ISSUES

Albany Passes Key Policy Initiatives: Expansion of Net Metering, Solar Property Tax Abatement & Green Residential Buildings Initiative

Carol Murphy: Session a Win for Energy Priorities

ALBANY, NY – The Alliance for Clean Energy New York joined clean energy advocates  in declaring the 2008 legislative session a  success when it came to their energy legislative priorities. Bills that passed this session included the highly anticipated expansion of New York’s net metering law, a solar property tax abatement for New York City and a green residential buildings initiative.

"While many have wondered whether this session would produce any major accomplishments, one thing is clear: this session was a victory for the development of clean energy in New York State," said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. "With the crucial expansion of net metering, the solar power tax rebate, and the green residential buildings initiative, New York will make great strides in bolstering its green economy, decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels and providing new opportunities for the clean energy industry and the jobs that come with it. Governor Paterson and the Legislative leadership deserve high praise for coming together and passing these important pieces of legislation."

"These achievements were more than just energy bills, they were jobs bills," said Jeff Jones of the New York State Apollo Alliance. "As we enter the 21st century, it’s crucial that New York State take advantage of innovative new economic sectors like the renewable energy industry, providing high quality, good paying green jobs that benefit the environment and New York’s families. By providing targeted incentives, all three of these bills will stimulate economic development and jobs in the new clean economy."

The bills passed in this session included an expansion of "net metering" which allows a customer’s electric meter to "spin backwards," providing a credit on their utility bill when their on-site renewable energy systems send unused power to the grid. The new legislation would expand net metering to allow commercial customers to net meter wind and solar electric systems. These commercial customers would be allowed to net meter systems up to 2MW in size or the customers’ historic peak load, whichever is less. Additionally, the new legislation increases to 500kw the size of wind and farm waste systems that farmers can net meter.

The legislature also passed a bill that would allow owners of solar energy systems in New York City to receive a property tax abatement to help pay for their system. The abatement could be worth up to 35% of the cost of expenditure of the system over the course of five years.

The Green Residential Buildings Initiative encourages the construction of new homes and the renovation of existing homes to meet "green building" standards. The bill authorizes the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to create a program that will provide financial incentives to New Yorkers who "go green."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 19, 2008

CONTACTS:
Carol E. Murphy (ACE NY), 518-701-9085
Dereth Glance (Citizens Campaign), 518-339-2853
Erica Ringewald (EANY), 518-210-9903
Shaun Chapman (Vote Solar), 646-330-4606
Jessica Barry (Prism Solar), 845-943-5377
Tom O’Reilly (Solar Center), 845-735-8616
Christine Donovan (NYSEIA), 518-495-1454
Wyldon Fishman (NYSES), 917-974-4606
Peter Gregg (NYFB), 518-692-2204

ALBANY, NY – A broad coalition of clean energy advocates announced today that the New York State Senate and Assembly had both passed a package of legislation that would greatly expand the State’s 'net metering' law. "Net metering" allows a customer’s electric meter to "spin backwards," providing a credit on their utility bill when their on-site renewable energy systems send unused power to the grid.

Current laws allow net metering for smaller residential and farm service installations, but has remained unchanged since 1997. The new legislation would expand net metering to allow commercial customers to net meter wind and solar electric systems. These commercial customers would be allowed to net meter systems up to 2MW in size or the customers’ historic peak load, whichever is less. Additionally, the new legislation increases to 500kw the size of wind and farm waste systems that farmers can net meter.

"This is a huge victory for the future of renewable energy in New York State." said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of Alliance for Clean Energy New York. "At its very core, net metering is about economic development, it's about promoting renewable energy and it's about a cleaner environment for New York State. It is common sense for a state with the second highest energy costs in the nation to empower farmers, schools and businesses to harvest clean renewable energy. For too long, New York has lagged behind as other states have passed us with important programs like commercial net metering, drawing much needed investment away from New York. With the passage of this critically important package of legislation, New York has the opportunity to catch up and for all customers to hedge against rising energy costs."

"Citizens Campaign for the Environment applauds the NYS Senate and Assembly for empowering all electric customers to harvest, use, and sell clean, homegrown energy from the sun and wind," said Dereth Glance, Executive Program Director for Citizens Campaign for the Environment. "In addition to creating jobs, promoting economic development and energy independence, net metering will improve air and water quality while fighting global climate change—locally,” Glance added.

"The NYS Assembly and Senate should be commended for their leadership and initiative in passing expanding net metering legislation," said Christine Donovan, Executive Vice President, New York Solar Energy Industries. "The solar industry serving New York and their customers who want more energy from solar will benefit greatly from this legislation. It is certain to help close the deal for new solar customers, to increase the use of clean, renewable solar energy in New York State, and to help stimulate green collar jobs and local revenue."

"These crucial net metering laws will allow customer generators to provide lower cost, clean energy back to the electric grid which will replace polluting energy sources like oil and coal and let New York take a long stride toward energy independence and security," said Richard
Schrader, the New York Legislative Director of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

"Net metering will save New Yorkers money, make additional power available during times of peak demand, reduce stress on our transmission lines, and protect New Yorkers from the pollution generated by traditional power plants and diesel generators," said Jackson Morris, Air & Energy Program Associate, Environmental Advocates of New York. "We applaud New York State lawmakers for taking this step to reduce the pollution that is changing our climate while encouraging clean energy development by expanding our net metering policy."

"The Assembly Energy Chair Kevin Cahill and the Senate Energy Chair George Maziarz should be proud of the work they have done on behalf of New York State. This legislation comes at exactly the right moment. As we enter the dog days of summer, New York will now be able to meet peak energy demand (the most expensive energy to produce and
distribute) with valuable, clean solar energy," said Shaun Chapman of the Vote Solar Initiative.

"We commend the NYS Assembly and Senate their leadership in passing expanding net metering legislation," said Tom Thompson, President, Board of Directors of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association and Senior Vice President, Atlantis Energy Systems, Inc. "This will help NYS's ratepayers to not only increase the use of clean, renewable solar energy in New York State, it will reduce the cost of peak power, decrease summer peak load, improve grid reliability, stimulate job growth and clean the air we all breath."

"Net metering is a key cornerstone of a vibrant state solar market" said Fred Zalcman, New York Team Leader for the Solar Alliance, a coaltion of the world's leading manufacturers and developers of solar photovoltaics. "We applaude the Senate and Assembly for this true demonstration of bipartisanship in addressing New York's pressing energy needs."

"Our farmers are becoming more and more innovative in not only producing food on our farms, but energy as well. By capturing the energy from the natural resources that already exist on our farms, such as wind and methane, we are able to generate into the grid, not just
take out. This helps our farmers bottom line and is part of our ongoing effort to lead the nation in environmental stewardship," said Jeff Williams, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the New York Farm Bureau.

"With the passage of these bills, the forecast for renewable energy in New York is sunny and bright," said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island. "We applaud the State Legislature and our Governor for creating a climate in which much needed clean energy technologies can thrive."

The bills in the package included three bills in both houses and were supported by the Assembly Energy Chair Kevin Cahill and Senate Energy Chair George Maziarz. In the Senate, S.7171B and S.8415, sponsored by Senator Owen Johnson (R-Babylon), passed earlier this year and S8481, sponsored by Senator George Maziarz (R-Newfane), was passed by the Senate yesterday. The Assembly passed the three bill package today, which included A.11146 and A.11592, sponsored by Assemblyman Steve Englebright (D-Setauket) and A.11482, sponsored by Assemblyman Tim Gordon (I-Bethlehem). Gov. David Paterson announced yesterday that he would sign all bills involved in the package.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 11, 2008

CONTACT:
Shaun Chapman, 646-330-4606
Carol Murphy, 518-701-9085
Fred Zalcman, 301-974-2721

SIENA POLL: NEW YORKERS OVERWHELMINGLY SUPPORT GREATER INVESTMENT IN CLEAN ENERGY

Poll arrives as Legislature is poised to address crucial legislation to expand New York’s ‘net metering’ law

ALBANY, NY – As legislators debate an expansion of New York’s net metering law, an overwhelming majority of New Yorkers support increased State investment in renewable technologies, a new poll says. Conducted at the end of May as part of the Siena New York Poll of the Siena Research Institute, with questions developed jointly by Siena and a consortium of energy advocates, the poll shows that by a ratio of 9 to 1, New Yorkers believe State leaders are doing the right thing by encouraging renewable energy.

"With such a diverse state as ours, rarely ever do we get this kind of unanimity on any issue," said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. "From Democrat to Republican to Independent, from upstate to downstate, from rural to urban, on this fact New Yorkers are in near-total agreement. New Yorkers have spoken loud and clear: we can, and must, do more to invest in renewable and clean sources of energy. And with critically important bills pending in both houses of the legislature right now to expand New York’s net metering law, we know that Albany is listening."

The poll shows that ninety percent of voters—with only 6 percent opposed—support more investment in solar power to produce electricity and nearly as many, eighty-three percent, support the same increased investment for wind power. This level of support registers across nearly every political party, region, ethnicity and age.

The poll was released as the legislature addresses a proposal to expand New York’s net metering law. Net metering allows a customer’s electric meter to "spin backwards," providing a credit on their utility bill when their on-site renewable energy systems send unused power to the grid.

"These results bear out that elected officials are on the right path, translating the overwhelming public will for more renewable energy through tried and true policies such as net metering," said Fred Zalcman of the Solar Alliance, a coalition of the world’s leading manufacturers and developers of solar energy. "Seldom does one see such a win-win-win for the state’s economy, the environment, and energy security, and the public clearly gets it."

Many have urged that New York’s once ground breaking law be expanded, since it is overly restrictive by today’s standards, especially when compared to the policies of neighboring states. Current law in New York only requires utilities to provide net metering for biomass or
wind projects at farms, and residential solar or wind projects. For all other customers, including small and large businesses, utilities are not required to allow net metering. Various bills in the legislature propose expanding both the quantity of energy that can be utilized for net metering as well as the customer classes that can qualify, which would encourage schools, towns and businesses to invest in renewable energy systems as a hedge against rising energy prices.

"The legislature has done some very difficult work this session in working out the details of how net metering can be expanded in this state, and they should be commended for it," commented Shaun Chapman of the Vote Solar Initiative. "These results confirm that the Senate and the Assembly are doing the people’s work. There is but one more step to take: send a completed net metering bill to the Governor’s desk for signature."

[Results of the poll are attached below]

Many New Yorkers are concerned about the long-term electrical energy needs of the state. Which of the following technologies do you most support using to meet those needs? Do you most support coal fired power plants, nuclear power plants, natural gas power plants or solar and wind power?

	Total	Dem	Rep	Ind/Other
coal fired power plants	2%	2%	3%	1%
nuclear power plants	16%	11%	25%	17%
natural gas power plants	10%	10%	9%	12%
solar and wind power	63%	65%	57%	65%
none	1%	1%	1%	1%
other	2%	2%	1%	1%
no opinion	6%	9%	5%	3%

Would you say that in general you are in favor or opposed to elected officials in New York State encouraging more investment in solar power to produce electricity?

	Total	Dem	Rep	Ind/Other
in favor	90%	90%	88%	93%
opposed	6%	5%	8%	6%
no opinion	4%	5%	4%	1%

Are you in favor or opposed to elected officials in New York State encouraging more investment in Wind Power to produce electricity?

	Total	Dem	Rep	Ind/Other
in favor	83%	83%	83%	85%
opposed	10%	8%	10%	12%
no opinion	6%	8%	7%	2%
refused	0%	0%	0%	1%

For dates of data collection, margin of error and number of completed responses visit: http://www.siena.edu//level3col.aspx?menu_id=562&id=6850

As a featured guest on the New York Times City Room blog, Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, takes questions about alternative energy choices for consumers, what New York City is doing to decrease its reliance on fossil fuels and how city dwellers can decrease their “carbon footprint.” Please click on the link below to read the full article.

Ask About Alternative Energy in the City

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 7, 2008

CONTACT:
Jan Messerschmidt, 212.561.8730 x229

STATEMENT OF CAROL E. MURPHY ON NYS COMPTROLLER THOMAS DiNAPOLI'S ANNOUNCEMENT OF AN INVESTMENT OF $500 MILLION IN CLEANTECH

"As our state looks to new industries to replace those we have lost, and as global climate change becomes a reality, the need for investment in renewable energy and clean technologies becomes increasingly important.

"Today's announcement by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to commit $500 million over three years to CleanTech industries is an enormous boon to this strategically important sector. Not only will this initiative target businesses that are discovering innovative solutions to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, it will invest in industries that will bring new, high-quality jobs to New York State.

"I applaud Comptroller DiNapoli for this crucial investment - an investment that is good for our energy supply, good for our environment, and good for our economy."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 4, 2008

CONTACT:
Jan Messerschmidt, 212-561-8730 x229

STATEMENT OF CAROL E. MURPHY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALLIANCE FOR CLEAN ENERGY NEW YORK ON NYISO'S AWARDING OF WIND FORECASTING CONTRACT

Contract Awarded to AWS Truewind, an Alliance for Clean Energy New York Member

"From curbing greenhouse gas emissions to meeting our growing demand for energy to developing the potential of the green sector economy, the expansion of New York State's renewable energy is becoming increasingly important. Because wind power is an integral component of an adequate approach to the growth of renewable power in New York, making full use of New York's wind power potential is critical. With some days blustery and other days calm, a high-tech wind forecasting system enables the state to take advantage of the full potential of wind power while ensuring demand is fully met when plentiful wind is not available."

"I applaud the NYISO for engaging in this critically important addition to New York's energy infrastructure. In particular, I am very pleased that the NYISO has selected a New York-based leader in wind power assessment, AWS Truewind, of Colonie, NY, to implement the wind-forecasting system."

Remarks of

Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the
Alliance for Clean Energy New York, Inc.

Chair of Subcommittee on Central Generation for
Lt. Governor David Paterson’s Task Force on Renewable Energy

February 25, 2008

Thank you Lieutenant Governor Paterson for your outstanding leadership and for creating this Renewable Energy Task Force. Your management and vision throughout this process have been crucial to the Task Force’s success and I believe it has led all of us to some very exciting recommendations for the future of clean energy in the State of New York.

I also want to thank Governor Spitzer for his support of clean energy and commitment to energy efficiency and to all of my fellow members on the Task Force for their great work.

As Chair of the Task Force’s Subcommittee on Central Generation, (wind, hydro, tidal power, and biomass) I’d like to talk briefly about some of the key recommendations we identified as critical to the growth of economically fruitful and environmentally beneficial clean energy projects in New York State.

Key among these is a streamlined siting and permitting process for renewable energy development (Article X) and improved consistency and coordination among state regulatory agencies’ policies and practices.

Simply put: unless we make it easier to build clean energy facilities, they will not get built in New York.

Whether or not we can capitalize on the nearly 7,000 MW of proposed wind projects, or additional hydro, innovative tidal power and new biomass plants going forward, also depends on New York maintaining its commitment to renewable energy through investment in “clean-tech” businesses and creative financing such as a Clean Energy Bond Act initiative and investment and production tax credits.

The enormous economic potential of the green economy is astounding. We cannot miss this opportunity to grasp the potential to create new, high-quality, good jobs for New Yorkers and pump new fuel, so to speak, into the upstate economy.

But to do this, we need a well-trained clean energy workforce to design, install, and maintain these groundbreaking clean energy facilities.

By working collaboratively with higher education and other institutions, our state can develop training programs for New Yorkers to produce “green-collar workers” for the growing renewable energy sector.

Finally, the subcommittee recommended that the State remove the barriers to municipal government purchases of green power and support the voluntary market for green energy through easy access to green power providers.

New York has always been a state that is known for its forward thinking leadership. The recommendations proposed today will help position New York as a national leader in renewable energy.

This is an exciting day for the future of clean, renewable energy – and an exciting day for the future of New York.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 9, 2008

CONTACT:
Jan Messerschmidt, 212-561-8730 x229
Carol E. Murphy, 518-432-1405

STATEMENT OF CAROL E. MURPHY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ALLIANCE FOR CLEAN ENERGY NEW YORK, ON GOVERNOR SPITZER’S STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

"I applaud Governor Spitzer's strong expression of support today for clean energy development in New York State. Net metering, a new Article X and smart metering are all essential components in a comprehensive effort to combat global warming, increase our energy independence, and develop a thriving green economy."

"The legislature's current bill to expand net metering is a critically important effort to encourage businesses to green their operations and fairly benefit from their own production of clean power. Net metering is a proven way to increase our State's use of clean energy while at the same time allowing small businesses to invest in their future through a hedge against rising fuel costs."

"The Alliance for Clean Energy New York also agrees that strong energy efficiency measures must be taken and we appreciate the Governor’s leadership in this area, as well as his call for a power plant siting law (Article X) sensitive to the challenge of global climate change. Article X's reauthorization remains one of the most important priorities for the legislature to address in this upcoming session. An Article X will be key to ensuring that New York State can produce the power it needs for its residents in the coming years while simultaneously protecting public health and the environment.

"The public should be encouraged by Governor Spitzer's strong leadership to develop clean energy in New York State. Clean energy and green collar jobs can help create a healthy, sustainable and vibrant New York economy."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 24, 2007

CONTACT:
Stefan Friedman, 917-207-6801

STATEMENT FROM ALLIANCE FOR CLEAN ENERGY NEW YORK EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CAROL MURPHY ON BEING NAMED TO RENEWABLE AND ALTERNATIVE ENERGY TASK FORCE

ALBANY, NY - Carol Murphy, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York, today released the following statement on being named to the Renewable and Alternative Energy Task Force that will be chaired by Lt. Governor David Paterson.

“With its primary mission being to recommend potential market areas to increase the State’s use of renewable energy and alternative fuel markets, this task force will help catapult New York State into the 21^st century when it comes to identifying and siting its energy sources,” said Carol Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY). “Simply by gathering together this diverse group of energy experts, Governor Spitzer and Task Force Chair Lt. Gov. David Paterson have shown they clearly recognize that Albany must ease New York’s energy crunch while protecting our environment and reducing our dependence on foreign energy sources.”

The Renewable and Alternative Energy Task Force will be Chaired by Lieutenant Governor Paterson, and will consist of at least fifteen members including NYSERDA, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Long Island Power Authority, and the New York Power Authority as well as representatives from renewable energy and alternative fuel industries, environmental and agricultural communities, academia, local government, green buildings and economic development.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 25, 2007

CONTACT:
Carol E. Murphy, 518-432-1405 or 518-701-9085 (cell)

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR PATERSON LAUNCHES CLEAN ENERGY TOUR SHOWCASING NEW ENERGY AGENDA

ALBANY, NY - Today Lieutenant Governor David Paterson will begin a tour of clean energy projects across New York state, highlighting the innovations that are being made in renewable energy technologies and the Spitzer administration’s commitment to a clean energy agenda.

“We are excited to see the Lieutenant Governor making renewable energy a priority for this administration’s agenda,” said Carol Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (“ACE NY”). “This tour is an outstanding demonstration of the Spitzer administration’s support for the renewable and energy efficiency technologies that will help us to meet our clean energy goals and establish New York as a leader in emerging technologies.”

Over the next two days Lieutenant Governor Paterson will travel to four clean energy technology sites in New York City and Syracuse. These visits will showcase the latest advances in alternative fuels, underwater turbines, green buildings, as well as the programs that are being developed at our state universities to meet the future demand for skilled workers in the renewables industry.

Organizations on the itinerary include: Verdant Power Headquarters, the Millennium Apartment Complex, Northeast Biofuels and SUNY School of Environmental Science and Forestry.

The Roosevelt Island Tidal Energy, (RITE) project demonstrates the use of underwater wind mills operating in the East River. “The RITE project is the first in the world of its kind. It’s a true public-private partnership between New York State, New York City and Verdant Power and as such it is really the people of New York’s project,” said Ron Smith, Chairman of Verdant Power. “The Verdant project demonstrates to the world that new technology can be delivered through New York City and New York State.” added Smith.

The Lieutenant Governor was scheduled to tour the Millennium Apartment Complex that highlights the use of solar power in New York City, but his tour was cut short due to the shooting of two state troopers.

The tour follows an announcement by the Administration late last week outlining a robust clean energy policy that will focus on reducing energy demand, increasing efficiency, and investing in renewable sources of power. This long term strategy will lower energy costs for New Yorkers and jump start the energy sector with advances in technology that create jobs and draw investment to the state.

Also outlined in the proposal is a long overdue power plant siting law that would fast-track clean power sources, like wind energy, as well as providing support for actions by the Public Service Commission to decouple utility profits from volume of power sales.

“This is an exciting time,” said Murphy. “Very soon we will begin to see the many ways that a progressive energy policy can help to revitalize New York’s economy and drive down the polluting emissions that threaten the health and well being of New Yorkers and contribute to global climate change.”

With the establishment of the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in 2004, New York made a commitment to generate 25 percent of its electricity from renewable energy technologies by 2013.

As part of his clean energy agenda, last week Governor Spitzer announced the selection of twenty one projects that will receive awards for contracts in the second phase of the RPS program, including updates to ten existing hydroelectric facilities, nine new wind facilities and two biomass facilities. The projects are expected to result in $1.4 billion of investment in New York.

“The policies outlined by the governor provide a welcome focus on the goals and agenda of ACE NY,” concluded Murphy. “We look forward to working with the administration to make sure that New York meets its clean energy goals and continues to develop policies that will spur development and investment in clean power technologies.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 20, 2007

CONTACT:
Valerie Strauss, 518-432-1405

STATE MAKING PROGRESS TOWARD CLEAN ENERGY GOAL

Second Round of Renewable Portfolio Standard Awards Announced

Albany, NY — The Alliance for Clean Energy NY (ACE NY) applauds the Governor’s clean energy strategy for New York. ACE NY firmly supports the Governor’s call for investments in energy efficiency and clean power generation. An emphasis on increased energy efficiency and a one-stop, expedited siting process for clean power generation combined with the financial assurances provided by long term contracts will promote needed investment in New York.

“Investment in efficiency and renewable energy sources will provide broad economic development, energy security and environmental benefits for the State,” stated ACE NY Executive Director Carol Murphy.

ACE NY also was pleased to see the announcement, in conjunction with the Governor’s statement on energy policy, of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Public Service Commission (PSC) on the awarding of contracts worth $295 million over 10 years for 21 renewable energy projects under the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS). The RPS was established in 2004 to meet the Public Service Commission’s goal of generating 25 percent of New York’s electricity from renewable sources by 2013.

“The Alliance for Clean Energy New York recognizes the state’s continued leadership and commitment to producing a portion of our electricity from clean, renewable sources,” said Carol Murphy, Executive Director. “As the RPS program continues to develop and evolve, all New Yorkers will receive the benefits in the form of lower energy prices, a cleaner environment, and a growing economy.”

The 21 winning bids include 9 wind farms, 10 hydroelectric project upgrades and 2 biomass projects. These projects, selected in the second phase of the state’s RPS program, are expected to leverage $1.4 billion in renewable energy investments in upstate NY and can provide 2.6 million MWh of electricity per year to New York retail customers.

The Maple Ridge wind farm alone, one of the first projects to be constructed under the RPS and the largest wind farm east of the Mississippi is currently producing enough emissions-free electricity to power 140,000 homes.

“In the underserved and economically stressed regions of upstate new York, these clean energy developments are breathing life back into struggling small communities and helping rural families to preserve their land and their way of life,” said Murphy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 15, 2007

CONTACT:
Carol E. Murphy, 518-432-1405

Alliance for Clean Energy New York Names Renewable Energy Veteran Valerie Strauss as New Deputy Director

Albany, NY — The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) announced today that Valerie Strauss has joined the fast-growing organization as its first Deputy Director. In this position, Strauss will head up policy development and assist the Executive Director in day-to-day operations.

“Adding Valerie to our team will advance the clean energy agenda exponentially in New York“,” said ACE NY Executive Director Carol Murphy. “Her extensive New York and international experience with renewable energy issues and players makes her an invaluable addition to our core staff.”

Strauss formerly worked as a Senior Policy Analyst with Albany law firm Young, Sommer, Ward, Ritzenberg, Baker and Moore where she represented the wind energy industry in the policy and regulatory arenas including the New York Public Service Commission, the New York Independent System Operator, the New York State Energy Research Development Authority and the State Legislature. She also has extensive experience assisting the firm’s attorneys in helping private sector clients obtain necessary permits for wind energy projects. In conjunction with attorney Doug Ward, Strauss headed up the American Wind Energy Association’s Windpower New York initiative.

Prior to moving to Albany, Strauss served as a consulting project manager for environmental consulting firms in Madrid, Spain and Alexandria, Virginia. She holds a Masters Degree with honors in Urban Planning from UCLA and a Bachelors Degree from the University of California at Berkeley. She resides in Delmar, New York with her husband and two children.

“With over 40 members representing a variety of clean energy companies and supporting non-profit groups joining in just one year, combined with an increased public and political focus on renewable energy and energy efficiency, I believe that ACE NY is the most exciting organization in Albany today,” said Strauss. “Officially joining the ACE NY team will allow me to continue to play a role in developing energy policy for the people of the Empire State.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 3, 2007

CONTACT:
Carol E. Murphy, 518-432-1405

Spitzer’s Promise to Ignite Upstate Economy with Clean Energy is a Win-Win

Albany, NY — The Alliance for Clean Energy New York applauds Governor Spitzer’s commitment to energy conservation and clean energy, specifically his pledge to meet the goal of obtaining 25 percent of New York’s energy needs from renewable sources.

Carol Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY), said, “Governor Spitzer deserves credit for his recognition that clean and green energy sources can spark an economic resurgence in upstate New York while providing needed power and environmental benefits for all.”

For example, new wind power facilities bring great economic and environmental benefit to host communities. Not only do these facilities produce power without the air pollution that causes global warming, acid rain, and smog, they keep energy dollars in-state; provide tax revenue to local towns, schools, and counties; provide lease payments to struggling farmers and other landowners; and create construction jobs. In this way, and through tax payments, wind power projects bring new revenue to local communities without changing their rural way of life.

Murphy continued, “We are pleased the Governor recognizes the importance of energy conservation and efficiency, as it is the fastest and cheapest way to meet increasing demand. Using energy more efficiently and using home grown, pollution-free resources keeps more of our energy dollars in state, rather than sending them elsewhere.” New York currently imports the fossil fuel used for most of our electricity, with a price tag of over $6 billion a year.

Clean energy companies manufacturing fuel cells, solar components, and biofuels are already located in New York, but there is a great potential to grow these businesses and attract even more clean tech investment to New York State.

“We welcome Governor Spitzer’s acknowledgment that New York can improve the economy and the environment by supporting energy efficiency and new, clean power generation from solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells and biomass resources. The Alliance for Clean Energy New York looks forward to working with the new administration to ensure we safeguard the earth’s climate while providing jobs and a healthy environment for present and future New Yorkers,” concluded Murphy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 4, 2006

CONTACT:
Carol E. Murphy, 518-701-9085

ACE NY Says Record New York State Electricity Demand Underscores Need for Renewable Energy and Improved Efficiency

NY Renewables offer Energy Security, Grid Stability, and Environmental Benefits

ALBANY, NY – The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) pointed to the recent heat wave resulting in two new peak demand records in New York’s electricity usage this week and the power outages in New York City last week as a clear signal to add more renewable energy and energy efficiency to the power grid.

On Wednesday, August 2, during the 2:00 p.m. hour, the electric grid operator - the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) - reported that the state had achieved a new peak demand for electricity of 33,939 megawatts. This usage eclipses the record of 32,075 megawatts set just one year ago on July 26, 2005, by 1,864 megawatts. The difference is enough electricity to power approximately 1.8 million average New York households. This dramatic increase in demand over a one-year period is unprecedented in New York’s history and underscores the need for investment in energy efficiency and the addition of significant amounts of new, clean power to the grid.

“Contrary to conventional wisdom that the majority of new demand for electricity comes from downstate, our analysis shows that this growth in electricity usage is evenly divided between upstate and downstate,” said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. “When we compared 2005’s peak numbers upstate with August 2, 2006 numbers we found an increase in demand of 968 megawatts in the area from western New York through the Hudson Valley. This increase represents more than half of the load growth statewide.” Murphy noted that large scale wind power can help meet the fast growing demand for electricity, particularly in the upstate regions where wind power is well suited. During the recent peak demand period the Maple Ridge wind farm helped meet this demand by supplying 115 megawatts of power into the grid.

Photovoltaic (PV) systems and fuel cells create power without emitting pollution, and this is particularly important when the haze and air pollution are at their worst during the hot and humid days of summer. Recent studies conducted by the SUNY Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC) have demonstrated that PV system output closely follows New York City’s peak electrical demand.

Solar can be counted on to generate power when New York City and Long Island need it the most. Studies have estimated that New York City could reliably meet 20 percent of its peak demand needs with solar systems on rooftops, building facades, parking lot infrastructure, etc.

As more stress is placed on the power grid, fuel cells, PV systems and energy efficiency can reduce multiple stresses on the electric system. Those systems with battery storage can provide on-site emergency backup for critical resources like hospitals, police and fire stations, elevators, air conditioners and emergency lights in high rises, and communication services.

“With increasing geo-political instability, our own growing appetite for energy and the environmental and public health issues of global warming and respiratory illnesses confronting us, we should be doing everything we can to ensure our future energy supply comes from clean, renewable, home-grown sources.” said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York.

“Whether it’s wind power, solar power, increased hydro-electric capacity or fuel cells, renewables offer price and grid stability and environmental benefits for New York. We must invest now to secure an
environmentally sound energy future for our children.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 24, 2006

CONTACTS:
Ben Hoen (Author), 718-812-7589 / benhoen2@earthlink.net
Ann Jones, FREE Center, 315-420-0826
Marion Trieste, ACE NY, 518-796-9241
Erica Ringewald, Environmental Advocates of NY,
518-462-5526 x238 (office); 518-210-9903 (cell)

NEW REPORT FINDS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACTS ON PROPERTY VALUES FROM WIND FARM

Suggests property value effects should take on less importance in siting proceedings

FENNER, NY - The FREE Center, a Fenner (NY) based organization dedicated to renewable energy education and sustainable practices, today released a study examining the impacts on local property values of the Fenner wind farm. Despite persistent claims that all wind farms adversely affect property values, a report by Ben Hoen, a graduate student of the Bard Center for Environmental Policy at Bard College, finds that property values were unaffected by the installation, in 2001, of a 20 turbine wind farm in the Fenner Township of Madison County, NY.

The report, Impacts of Windmill Visibility on Property Values in Madison County, New York, is being released by the Fenner Renewable Energy Education Foundation (FREE), and will be made available via a website hosted by the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY). Hoen says, "The likelihood that property values were affected in Madison County is negligible, thereby reducing similar concerns for other communities hosting wind farms."

"Much as we expected," said Donna Griffin, a longtime Fenner resident, wind farm neighbor and FREE Board member, "this study concludes that well-planned wind farms can generate lots of clean power, local tax revenue and still be good neighbors."

High profile proposals for wind farm installations, such as Cape Cod, Massachusetts, have concentrated on the subject of property value effects, where one study projected the effects of the proposal to be $1.35 billion¹ in reduced property values. The phrase, "The wind farm will ruin my view!" has often been heard at public planning meetings for wind farms. "A ruined view would be translated into home prices, yet few studies of actual property value effects from existing wind facilities exist," added Hoen. New York, with its adoption of the Renewable Portfolio Standard, in 2004, plans to increase the percentage of renewable power produced in the state by 7% (over its current 18%) to reach the goal of 25% renewable energy generation by the year 2013. This could mean as many as 30 new wind farms across the state, the report states, and many states in the Northeast have similar goals for renewable energy use and production in their state.

The director of the Bard Center for Environmental Policy, Joanne Fox-Przeworski says, "As the Northeast’s wind energy capacity grows, the frequency of clashes between communities and wind farms will likely increase. Understanding the effects of these developments, through empirical studies of existing sites, is crucial."

"Wind power plays a key role in New York’s clean energy future. From an environmental perspective, it’s a safe source of energy that reduces our dependence on polluting fossil fuels and foreign oil," said Larisa Washburn, program associate of Environmental Advocates of New York. "This study sheds light on a common concern in communities deciding whether or not to build a wind farm and shows that property values are not impacted."

"This study provides valuable information for communities considering wind farm developments," said Carol Murphy, Executive Director of ACE NY. "The Fenner wind farm is a showcase for New York showing how wind energy can bring economic development for rural communities with many positive attributes for local residents while producing pollution free energy."

The study is the first on record to visit each home in the study area and ascertain if visibility of the wind farm is possible, and to what degree. Previous studies² have made the assumption that all homes within a certain radius (for instance 5 miles) could see the wind farm, yet this study found that only 33% of the homes in its study area, within 5 miles, could see the turbines. In addition to visibility, distance to the nearest turbine was calculated. The author used this data to ascertain if property value data, obtained from the Madison County Tax Office, was uniquely affected by the turbines. The report finds there to be no measurable effect on values. These findings held even when concentrating on homes that were within a mile of the turbines and those that sold in 2001, immediately following the announcement and construction of the wind farm. Hoen recommends further study of this issue at other sites around the country, and makes specific recommendations for policy makers based on his findings.

The report will be made available through the ACE NY website www.aceny.org.

###

The Fenner Renewable Energy Center is a grass-roots organization recently formed to educate the public on the benefits of renewable energy and other sustainable practices. It has created an informational kiosk for visitors to the Fenner wind farm, and is raising funds to build a LEED-certified energy education center on the wind farm site in Fenner, NY.

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York's mission is to promote the use of clean, renewable electricity technologies and energy efficiency in New York State, in order to increase energy diversity and security, boost economic development, improve public health, and reduce air pollution.

Environmental Advocates of New York is the state’s government watchdog, holding lawmakers and agencies accountable for implementing policy that protects natural resources and safeguards public health. The nonprofit organization is a 501(c) (3) and is the New York State affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. For more information call 518.462.5526 or visit www.eany.org.

¹ Haughton, J., D. Giuffre, et al. (2004). "An Economic Analysis of a Wind Farm in Nantucket Sound." Beacon Hill Institute at Suffolk University. 2-83. May 1, 2004. Pg. 16.

² For Example: Sterzinger, G., F. Beck, et al. (2003). "The Effect of Wind Development on Local Property Values." Renewable Energy Policy Project. 1-77. May 2003.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 11, 2006

CONTACT:
Steve Sullivan, 518-441-7272
Marion Trieste, 518-796-9241

ALLIANCE FOR CLEAN ENERGY NEW YORK (ACE NY) NAMES CAROL E. MURPHY AS FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Seasoned Energy Professional Takes on the Challenge of Promoting Clean, Renewable Energy for New York

ALBANY, NY – The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) announced today that it has appointed Carol E. Murphy (Latham, NY) as the group’s first Executive Director after an exhaustive search.

ACE NY is a new organization based in Albany, New York, incorporated in January 2006, dedicated to promoting renewable energy in New York. ACE NY’s Board includes leading members of the renewable energy and environmental community.

“We are delighted that Carol will help us lead this exciting new organization into the future. ACE NY’s mission is to guide New York toward a better energy, economic and environmental future and Carol is an ideal choice to help us get there,” said Bruce Bailey, ACE NY Board Member and President of AWS Truewind. “Carol’s exceptional communication skills and expertise has earned her tremendous respect among state officials, legislative and political leaders, public affairs professionals and the environmental community. I can’t think of anyone better suited to take on this challenge,” added Bailey.

“Carol is a highly-effective, energetic, focused professional who knows how to maximize resources and build consensus,” said Katherine Kennedy of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC); one of ACE NY’s founding members. “Her skills and talents will help New York meet its renewable energy goals and reap the environmental and public health benefits of clean energy.”

Member. “Carol’s leadership will help bring the vast benefits of all forms of renewables to the people“Carol brings a level of professionalism and experience to this organization that will launch it to the next level,” said Patrick Doyle, Director of Development for Horizon Wind Energy and ACE NY Board of New York.”

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help the Alliance build public consensus and move toward a clean, independent energy future in New York as the Executive Director for ACE NY,” said Murphy.

“High energy prices, world events and environmental concerns all point to our need to move affirmatively toward a new paradigm for our energy supply. We plan to build state and regional partnerships based upon the strong foundation that has been established by the members and board of ACE NY thus far,” added Murphy.

Murphy has been operating Trailhead Energy Advisors, an energy public affairs firm since 2005. Prior to that she served as the first woman Vice President at the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), the organization charged with administering New York State’s $10 billion wholesale electricity markets and operating the state’s bulk electric transmission system.

Murphy was the NYISO’s chief spokesperson during the 2003 northeast blackout. She is a recognized expert on energy issues and has been a frequent commentator in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, Washington Post, Newsday, New York Daily News, New York Post, Reuters, Bloomberg News, Energy Daily, Electricity Journal and Platts publications. Her television appearances include CNN, MSNBC, BBC, NPR, Fox national news, Inside Albany, and all local network affiliates.

From 1991-2001 Murphy was the Executive Director of the Independent Power Producers of New York (IPPNY). She became the head of the organization in its early days and during her decade-long tenure, she built the group into a highly influential trade association that has played a key role in shaping energy policy in New York. In 1992 she received the Independent Energy magazine’s “Industry All Star Award” for excellence in government affairs and public relations.

Prior to taking over at IPPNY, Murphy worked as the Legislative Director for the Energy Association and served on both New York State Senate and Assembly central staff. She earned her Masters in Public Administration from Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy in 1979 and graduated cum laude from the State University of New York with a major in History and Political Science.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 4, 2006

CONTACTS:
Steve Sullivan, 518-441-7272
Marion Trieste, 518-796-9241

ACE NY CONDEMNS SENATE AMENDMENT TO KILL OFFSHORE WIND FARMS

Group calls for removal of harmful provision before bill is passed

ALBANY, NY – The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACENY) today issued a statement expressing strong opposition to a provision in the Congressional Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2006 being advanced by Senator Stevens of Alaska that would could effectively kill the nation’s first proposed offshore wind energy project.

The provision, (Section 414 of the Conference Report on H.R. 889) was slipped into the bill without any consideration by either the House or the Senate. It would grant Governors of states adjacent to offshore wind projects unilateral authority to veto those projects. The legislation would have a chilling effect on all off-shore wind development. ACE NY opposes the proposal on the grounds that it is in direct conflict with national energy policy and an abuse of the legislative process.

“This is a thinly-disguised attempt to stymie renewable energy projects at this time in our nation’s history when we need leadership in the energy arena more than ever,” said Bruce Bailey, ACE NY spokesperson and Chair of the Offshore Committee of the American Wind Energy Association. “Wind power and other renewable energy sources have been identified as a crucial component of this nation’s energy future by environmentalists, business people and recently, President Bush.”

Wind power is the fastest growing source of energy worldwide. Because wind power generates electricity without using fossil fuel, it provides protection against tight energy supplies and rising energy costs. Last year, more than 2,500 megawatts of wind energy capacity was installed in the United States bringing the total to over 9,000 megawatts, or enough power for about 2.3 million average American Homes according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA). According to Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory, a federal research lab, wind energy could supply about 20 percent of the nation's electricity.

“Because of the strong winds, offshore wind energy development offers the United States one of its best opportunities to reduce its dependence on polluting fuels while helping to moderate the price of fossil fuels,” said Bruce Bailey. “Europe has already constructed a substantial amount of offshore wind power because it realizes the tremendous potential for creating clean, renewable energy. Rather than passing laws to inhibit this resource, the U.S. should be seeking to outpace the Europeans in this area. ”

ACE NY emphasized that there is already a Congressionally-approved process in place for reviewing offshore wind projects and that this proposed amendment would render that process meaningless.

ACE NY notes its position is supported by statements of the United States Senate’s leading experts on energy - Senator Domenici and Senator Bingaman - who have both publicly criticized this special interest legislation as bad energy policy.

“Congress should do everything within its power to facilitate the development of more clean, domestically produced renewable energy such as offshore wind,” said Bailey. “Section 414 of the Conference Report on H.R. 889 directly pushes this nation a step backwards in its energy policy and should be eliminated immediately.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 7, 2006

CONTACT:
Steve Sullivan, Power Communications
518-587-5995 (office); 518-441-7272 (cell)
Marion Trieste, Trieste Associates
518-584-7817 (office); 518-796-1491 (cell)

Dedicated Clean Energy Funds Key to NYS Future Energy Independence, Reducing Air Pollution.

ALBANY, NY — Representatives and allies of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) spoke in favor of the State’s renewable energy policy today at the Public Hearing held by the NYS Assembly’s Standing Committee on Energy and Subcommittee on Renewable Energy to examine New York’s policy to encourage the development and use of renewable energy, the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard, referred to as the RPS.

Fred Zalcman, Executive Director of Pace Law School Energy Project stated, “New York’s renewable energy policy brings many benefits: less pollution, a needed stimulus to our upstate economy; and reduced reliance on imported fuels. Moreover, these benefits come at a small price – about a dime a month for the average household. To my mind, the real question today is not whether the State’s electricity consumers can afford this policy; but rather whether the State can afford NOT to continue with an aggressive program to phase-in greater amounts of renewable energy into our electric supply.”

Rob Moore, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates of New York said, “New York State’s clean energy goals, and the funds that support these goals, put us at the forefront of nationwide efforts to generate energy from clean, safe, and renewable sources. The RPS is an investment in our future and an important complement to the state’s long-standing commitment to make more efficient use of the power we currently generate.”

With wind power, New York can meet its 25 percent renewable energy goal by the year 2013.

Michael Skelly of Horizon Wind Energy stated, “Horizon Wind Energy has been active in the New York State wind energy market since 2000, having recently become the largest operator of wind farms in the state. We remain highly committed to bringing investment in clean, renewable wind energy to the state.”

“Because of the RPS, the wind industry is actively developing sites in upstate New York. This development creates jobs, increases local tax revenue, and stimulates investment in the regions of New York State that need it the most. We expect the industry to grow even more as the RPS takes off in the next few years,” said Anna Giovinetto, Director of Renewable Energy with Noble Environmental Power. The RPS program has sent a positive signal to the investment community, and it’s important that this signal remain consistent.”

“New York’s Renewable Portfolio Standard is an essential element for the faith community’s stewardship of the environment,” noted Edward Bennett, President of New York Interfaith Power and Light. “The enhanced supply of clean renewable energy ultimately protects the very least among us, the very young, the elderly, the poor and the infirmed. This is the community that can least protect itself,” added Bennett.

“New York’s current RPS program is working well and ACE NY encourages its continuance. It is a well-designed policy to bring investment to New York. This investment will bring clean energy projects to New York — projects that fully comply with the State Environmental Quality Review Act. They are subject to the same regulations and oversight as all other forms of development, including other energy projects.” added Bailey.

*AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK STATE*CITIZENS CAMPAIGN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT*ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES OF NEW YORK*ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE*GREEN GOLD DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION*GREENPEACE USA*GROOVYGREEN*HUDSON RIVER SLOOP CLEARWATER*NATURAL RESOURCES DEFENSE COUNCIL*NEW YORK CITY APOLLO COALITIOn*NEW YORK INTERFAITH POWER AND LIGHT*NEW YORK LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS*NEW YORK PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP*PACE LAW SCHOOL ENERGY PROJECT*RENEWABLE ENERGY LONG ISLAND*RIVERKEEPER, INC.*SCENIC HUDSON*SIERRA CLUB ATLANTIC CHAPTER*THOMPKINS REWABLE ENERGY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION*UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS*WIND ACTION GROUP OF BUFFALO*WESTERN NEW YORK SUSTAINABLE ENERGY ASSOCIATION*

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 10, 2006

CONTACTS:
Kit Kennedy, NRDC, 347-563-2864 or 212-727-4463
John Stouffer, Sierra Club, 518-469-7713
Larissa Washburn, EANY, 518-462-5526
Marion Trieste, 518-796-9241
Steve Sullivan, 518-441-7272

Out With the Old, In With the Wind!

Public Health and Environmental Groups Celebrate New York’s Newest and Largest Wind Farm, Issue Statement of Support for Wind Power Development in New York

ALBANY, NY – New York’s environmental community gathered today to celebrate the commencement of the new Maple Ridge wind facility in Lewis County at the start of 2006. The project is currently 198 MW, making it the largest wind project in the eastern United States, with further expansion planned. Its turbines are already transforming wind into enough electricity to power 67,000 average New York homes each year. The project quadruples the amount of pollution-free wind power in New York.

A broad group of twenty-two prominent environmental and public health organizations also released a statement titled "New York Needs Renewable Wind Power." Many of these organizations actively advocated for New York’s latest renewable energy policy, which seeks to ensure that 25 percent of the electricity used in New York be produced by clean, renewable technologies, like wind, solar, fuel cells and low-impact hydropower, by 2013. Maple Ridge is one of the first projects to be constructed under this new renewable energy policy and is by far the largest.

The organizations also announced the launch of www.aceny.org, a new internet resource to promote clean renewable technologies and energy efficiency in New York.

"With wind power we have a proven technology that can provide substantial amounts of reliable, affordable and pollution-free electricity to New Yorkers across the state," said Gordian Raacke, Executive Director of Renewable Energy Long Island. "I'm proud to be part of this unprecedented effort of environmental organizations and clean energy companies coming together to promote wind power and other clean energy technologies throughout our region."

"Here’s a New Year’s Resolution come true — the New York environmental community is coming together to celebrate the opening of the Maple Ridge wind project and the many clean air and public health benefits of wind power," said Katherine Kennedy, Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council. "We need to support sustainable energy solutions, and well-sited wind power is an important part of the answer to New York’s energy needs."

John Stouffer of Sierra Club-Atlantic Chapter said, "Wind power is a key component of a secure and sustainable energy future in New York State."

Jason Babbie of the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) stated, "Developing more clean and green renewable energy is good for New York State and its residents. Consumers benefit from renewable energy's price stability, local economies benefit by keeping energy dollars in the state, and everyone benefits from power that doesn't cause public health problems and global warming."

"From Long Island to Grand Island, CCE has reached out to tens of thousands of households and found strong public support to increase our use of wind power," stated Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE). "Wind power is the most effective, large scale renewable energy technology available today. New York is poised to lead the nation bravely into the energy future by supporting and investing in this safe, clean domestically produced energy.

Larissa Washburn of Environmental Advocates of New York stated, "Wind power could supply 20 percent of our energy needs, providing electricity for 2.5 million homes. As a safe, abundant, and pollution-free source of energy, wind power not only helps to safeguard human health and the environment, it offers tremendous benefits for local communities."

"We welcome the shift to clean renewable power," said Edward Bennett of New York Interfaith Power and Light. "The faith community believes wise environmental stewardship protects the least among us and all of God’s creation. We’re encouraging congregations to be good stewards of God’s creation by using renewable energy and reducing demand by taking energy efficiency and conservation measures in their houses of worship and personal lives."

"Wind promises to be the next cash crop, providing a much needed economic boost to the Upstate New York economy," said Fred Zalcman, Executive Director of the Pace Law School Energy Project.

"Wind is a great primal energy source," said Jim Tripp, General Counsel of Environmental Defense. "Harnessing it to produce electrical energy reduces stresses on climate, ocean and ecological systems. Wind energy is increasingly cost-competitive. Its impacts can be mitigated. NYS has plenty of wind from Long Island to the Great Lakes. The State should pursue aggressively a broad array of initiatives to capture this indigenous source of energy."