Green Energy Jobs Show Our American Spirit

by Contributor | June 29, 2008 10:56 pm

By Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine

One of our country’s greatest characteristics is our ability to face a crisis and come out stronger. So many dedicated men and women have pulled together to build this country. Our courageous and dedicated armed forces have defended our freedom, while American ingenuity, enterprise and hard work have raised our standard of living. This Fourth of July and on every Independence Day we celebrate the spirit that has moved so many to sacrifice and dedicate themselves to this nation.

We should keep this very spirit in mind as we face high energy costs and a sluggish economy. Through hard times our history shows that we always emerge stronger. In Central and Northern New York, the problems of today can lead us toward a prosperous future. We can use environmentally sustainable industries and alternative energy solutions to rebuild our economy.

In Oswego, the Northeast Biofuels plant is well on its way to becoming one of the largest ethanol plants in the nation, but the site of the old Miller Brewery is in a position to become a central location for alternative energy from corn-based and cellulosic ethanol to wind, solar and biodiesel. The multi-phased approach at this one location will further establish Oswego County and this region as a leader in energy production, and do so in an environmentally sustainable way.

As you may know from recent news reports, the Battelle Memorial Institute studied the corridor from south of Syracuse to St. Lawrence County and determined that this area is well-suited for “green collar” jobs. The study shows that Northeast Biofuels is one of more than 400 “green sector” companies in Central and Northern New York. The existing jobs at these companies pay well above the region’s average income and this sector represents 15 percent of all job growth in the region over the last five years.

Jobs in renewable and alternative energy, environmental engineering, manufacturing of green building materials and more, are on the rise in the region. With universities such as Cornell, SUNY Environmental Sciences and Forestry, and Clarkson leading research on new technologies in our own backyard, the potential is limitless.

We need to foster growth in this industry. The Metropolitan Development Association, Empire State Development and their “Green Team” partners are working to lure in more companies and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has launched the “Green Strategic Investment Program” to invest common retirement funds into New York-based clean technology companies with the potential for a high rate of return. Tom is a good friend of mine and I’m glad he sponsored a forum on June 20 to hear about a few of the great companies in Upstate New York and tour the biofuels plant in Fulton.

In the Legislature, my colleagues and I want to give these companies an incentive to grow here and reward New Yorkers for supporting them. In the final days of session we passed legislation to give individuals and small businesses incentives to use alternative energy sources for their own power needs and provide grants for new and renovated homes that meet “green building standards.”

Through legislation to expand net metering, customers who produce more electricity through solar, wind or a farm waste generator than they use will be able to sell that power back to the utility company. This can be a strong incentive for businesses and could cut household costs for families that invest in or already have an alternative energy source. It could also reduce strain on the grid and reduce peak energy demand.

The green building grant program includes incentives aimed at energy conservation and efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, non-toxic and renewable building products, and natural resource conservation. We had already put a similar program in place for businesses, but this now extends grant money to homeowners.

What we’ve done is only a start. In true American fashion, we will continue to push toward new opportunities. I look forward to continuing my efforts to find ways to benefit our economy from environmental innovation so that we can find relief from high energy prices, and we can improve our economy by providing that relief.

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