Governor Paterson Names SBU to Lead NYS Energy Policy Institute

Stony Brook to Partner with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Syracuse University to
Coordinate Energy Policy Research and Create Resource for State Policymakers

Governor David A. Paterson today announced that the State University of New York at Stony Brook has been named to lead the New York Energy Policy Institute (NYEPI), a key initiative from the Governor’s State of the State address. Working in partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Syracuse University, this consortium will coordinate the work of New York’s leading energy research centers and experts and serve as a resource for the State’s policymakers.

“New York’s universities are fortunate to have some of the nation’s leading energy experts on their faculties, and the New York Energy Policy Institute will bring together the best and brightest minds in the energy field to help solidify New York’s standing as a leader in energy policy and analysis,” Governor Paterson said. “The public-private partnership we are forming today will help New York continue to be a leader in the new economy by building a clean energy economy that will create jobs and improve our environment in the future.”

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which will oversee the NYEPI’s operations, has allocated up to $200,000 per year for up to three years to be matched by the consortium members. NYEPI will work with NYSERDA and other State agencies to conduct studies, produce policy analysis, and provide guidance on energy issues impacting New York now and in the future.

In addition, the consortium will coordinate efforts with energy experts at partner institutions from across the State, including City University of New York (CUNY), Clarkson University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Hudson Valley Community College, Morrisville State College, The Rockefeller Institute of Government, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), the University at Albany, University at Binghamton, University at Buffalo and the University of Rochester. Additional institutions and participants are anticipated.

The NYEPI will also advance Governor Paterson’s ‘45 by 15’ initiative, one of the nation’s most aggressive energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. By 2015, New York State will receive 45 percent of its electricity through energy efficiency and clean renewable energy – 15 percent electricity savings from efficiency measures and 30 percent met by renewables. It is conservatively estimated that this initiative will create 50,000 new jobs throughout the State.

Earlier today, Governor Paterson accepted the final report from the Task Force on Diversifying the New York State Economy through Industry-Higher Education Partnerships. The Governor created the Task Force last May to examine how the State can better utilize its university-based research and development resources to drive economic growth. The NYEPI follows a number of the recommendations from the Task Force, including critical mass in strategic areas that invest in fields where New York can be a global leader. Through Governor Paterson’s leadership, New York has positioned itself to be the global leader in clean energy.

The NYEPI will benefit from Stony Brook’s existing technology programs, including its co-management of the nearby U. S. Department of Energy Brookhaven National Laboratory and its operations of the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC). The Stony Brook-led consortium was chosen by NYSERDA following a competitive solicitation that attracted proposals from academic institutions across New York State.

Senator Darrel J. Aubertine, Chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, said: “Through the Energy Policy Institute, the assets and expertise of our leading learning institutions will play a major role in shaping energy policy in New York State to increase the use of renewable energy and new technologies, such as Smart Grid, to help make our state more energy efficient and independent. From Stony Brook to Clarkson and the University of Buffalo to Syracuse to RPI, the input from these research centers across the state will help us build on the energy policy progress we’ve made from the establishment of a permanent energy planning board to new programs that implement key policies such as Green Jobs/Green NY. I want to thank the governor for his leadership on these key energy issues.”

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee, said: “The New York Energy Policy Institute will be an invaluable resource to my fellow lawmakers and myself as we heighten efforts to bring the state to the forefront of energy-efficiency and renewable technology. New York is an established leader in the global energy market and I applaud Governor Paterson for his commitment to our progress in this field.”

Stony Brook University President Samuel L. Stanley, Jr., M.D., said: “Governor Paterson’s establishment of the New York Energy Policy Institute is a highly strategic initiative that will generate innovative clean energy solutions by uniting the most creative minds in the state. The institute is affirmation of our Advanced Energy Center model, which was developed to launch important partnerships between universities, industry and government. Creating a statewide Institute affirms that partnership model and Stony Brook University is very proud to be taking a leadership role.”

Francis J. Murray, President and CEO of the NYSERDA said: “As the Governor proposed, the NYEPI will draw upon New York’s incomparable base of energy experts to research and analyze energy policy options that will make our State more energy efficient, economically stronger, and environmentally responsible. NYSERDA looks forward to working closely with the new New York Energy Policy Institute to help maximize the potential of New York’s vast energy policy expertise.”

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson said: “New York is laying the foundation for an economic and environmental future based on technological innovation. Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are helping to lead that important drive forward. As a member of the NYEPI, Rensselaer will combine expertise in energy research from power storage to transportation infrastructure with the education of the next generation of bright and motivated scientists, engineers, and policy makers. Our combined efforts will help New York to build new industries, create jobs, and bring lasting change to our economy and environmental landscape.”

Syracuse University Chancellor and President Nancy Cantor said: “Collaboration of this kind is exactly what New York State needs to address the complex challenges of formulating energy policy. This cross-sector partnership will tap the state’s vast community of experts working on sustainable solutions to our growing energy demands, and Syracuse University is proud to be a key partner in that community.”

The NYEPI will assist and complement existing State energy policy research, including programs at NYSERDA, New York State Department of Public Service, Long Island Power Authority, New York Power Authority, and New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR), among others.

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