February 25, 2008
New York
New York
ALBANY, N.Y. – New York would rely more on wind, solar and other renewable energy sources while adopting new conservation measures, under a proposal released Monday.
The recommendations to Lt. Gov. David Paterson came as a deal to build a solar energy manufacturing plant in the Hudson Valley was announced. Prism Solar Technologies, Inc. will use almost $1.5 million in public money to build a research and development plant in Ulster County. The company estimates that it will create more than 140 jobs within three years and more than 400 jobs in five years.
U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey, a Hudson Valley Democrat, secured the funding to help attract solar companies to the state. Prism raised more than $8.5 million dollars in private funding.
Such projects are behind the recommendations made Monday by the Renewable Energy Task Force, which aims to create an integrated, long-term renewable energy plan for the state. The Spitzer administration has set a goal to derive 25 percent of New York’s electricity from renewable energy by 2013.
The plan includes changes in law that would provide hundreds of millions of dollars a year for incentives to businesses to develop and build renewable energy facilities. Workers would also be trained in the growing field.
State government would encourage car pooling and reduce the amount of miles traveled by state vehicles.
“With the world’s climate changing and traditional dirty energy sources causing geopolitical instability, these recommendations will put New York on a path to become part of a global solution,” Paterson said.
The report was supported by environmental groups, several of which had officers on the task force.
“The recommendations we deliver today are the consensus of experts that, if adopted, will be essential steps for improving the economy, the environment and public health,” Carol E. Murphy, executive director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York.
Spitzer and the Legislature will now consider implementing the recommendations.
By MICHAEL GORMLEY | Associated Press Writer
February 25, 2008
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2008/02/25/ny-has-plan-to-encourage-wind-solar-other-renewable-energy/