News

September 5, 2007

ASERTTI's Fall Meeting Agenda Set

Please join us for the Fall ASERTTI meeting, October 23-26, 2007, at the Sagamore Resort (www.thesagamore.com) on New York's beautiful Lake George. This year's meeting includes a keynote address from New York State Energy Research and Development Authority's (NYSERDA) President Paul Tonko, in-depth discussions about ongoing and new ASERTTI programs and cost-shared project opportunities, and highlights of cutting-edge clean energy programs in the Northeast. In addition, we will have a special in-depth look inside the energy innovations and opportunities at NYSERDA – covering buildings, biofuels, power systems and more. To view the agenda and register click here.

Paul Tonko Appointed President and CEO of NYSERDA

Paul D. Tonko was appointed President and CEO of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) on July 1, 2007 by the NYSERDA Board of Directors. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Tonko served in the New York State Assembly, representing all of Montgomery and part of Schenectady County - from April 1983 to June 2007. Prior to his election to the Assembly, Mr. Tonko was an engineer in the New York State Department of Transportation, served on the staff of the Department of Public Service, and graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in mechanical and industrial engineering. Mr. Tonko has gained a national reputation as an expert on energy and utility issues. From 1992 to June 2007, Mr. Tonko served as chairman of the New York Assembly Standing Committee on Energy. Recently, under his capacity as Assembly member, Mr. Tonko’s expertise was called upon by the Congress of the United States, to testify before the Subcommittee on Domestic Policy, with regards to the Energy Policy Act of 2005. In 2007 he was awarded the Solar Leadership Award by the New York Solar Energy Industries Association.

EPA Climate Technology Initiative Conference

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering a new initiative that will enhance climate protection by highlighting emerging technologies that could with greater market penetration make significant and cost-effective contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The intent is to use some form of EPA recognition and possibly additional technical assistance to help jump-start, streamline, and accelerate the adoption of emerging technology into the market place. To gather input on this potential initiative, EPA will hold a Climate Technology Initiative Conference, October 10th and 11th in Washington D.C. Participants will have the opportunity to help define criteria for a new EPA initiative promoting advanced technologies that protect the climate through market-based recognition. For more information visit: epa.gov/cleanenergy/climatetechnology.htm.

FSEC Director to Serve on FL Governors' Action Team on Energy and Climate Change

Jim Fenton, director of the University of Central Florida's Florida Solar Energy Center in Cocoa, has been named to Florida's Action Team on Energy and Climate Change. Gov. Charlie Crist said committee members will work to "preserve our state's beautiful natural environment. During the next few months, Florida's Action Team on Energy and Climate Change will develop further recommendations to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and diversify our energy resources."

Jim Fenton said the first directive should always be to focus on efficiency. "We have to find ways to make it cost-effective for consumers to be more energy-efficient," he said. Fenton, who specializes in fuel cells, sustainable energy, electrochemical engineering, environmental engineering and pollution prevention, said consumers often are put off by the initial cost of products that, in the end, will not only save them money, but also will help the environment. The first phase of the committee's work will be to make recommendations regarding Florida's energy policy, including reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and strategies to diversify fuels used to generate electricity. Phase two of the work will focus on mitigating the impact of greenhouse gas emissions caused by new growth. One way will be looking at how to lure more "climate-friendly" businesses to the state. Fenton said that might require attracting venture-capital funds to help companies that make and install energy efficient products to locate in the state.

The Florida Solar Energy Center is a long-time ASERTTI member and conducts research in building science, photovoltaics, solarthermal, hydrogen and alternative fuels, fuel cells and other advanced energy technologies. The center also focuses on education, training and certification.