2006

FOR RELEASE:          Immediate, October 19, 2006
CONTACT:                  Colleen Ryan, NYSERDA
                                  518-862-1090 ext. 3359; cqr@nyserda.or

STATE AGENCIES MEET TO COORDINATE ENERGY EFFORTS
NYSERDA Chairman Leads Conservation Coordination Task Force

Albany, NY - - The Hon. Vincent A. DeIorio, Esq., Chairman of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), has been named by Governor George E. Pataki to chair a new Conservation Coordination Task Force comprised of several energy-related State authorities and agencies. The task force (Chapt. 59, 2006) will develop and report  energy conservation and generation recommendations to the Governor and outline ways for coordinating energy programs among various agencies.

Vincent A. DeIorio, Esq., Chairman of NYSERDA said, "Bringing together state agencies with common goals to discuss and prepare recommendations on energy conservation and distributed generation programs will strengthen our collective efforts through better coordination and economies of scale.  I look forward to working closely with the members of the Conservation Coordination Task Force to prepare the report, and I am extremely honored to have been chosen by Governor Pataki to head this significant initiative."

"We welcome Judge DeIorio's appointment to this prestigious and important position. As Chairman of NYSERDA, he has presided over vast growth in services and purview of our Authority and he will bring this leadership to the Conservation Coordination Task Force. I look forward to working with him as NYSERDA staff contributes technical and scientific recommendations," said Peter R. Smith, President and CEO of NYSERDA.

Task force members, including representatives from NYSERDA, Public Service Commission, New York Power Authority, Long Island Power Authority, State Education Department, Department of Environmental Conservation, and Division of Housing and Community Renewal, will meet monthly to prepare a report for the Governor, Assembly Speaker, President of Senate, Assembly Ways and Means, and the Senate Finance, Assembly Energy, and Senate Energy Committees, due January 30, 2007.

At its initial meeting on October 17, Judge DeIorio provided an overview of the group's interest in energy efficiency and distributed generation. The report will detail energy efficiency and distributed generation programs and their locations; program expenditures; assessment of project progress; analysis of energy savings resulting from programs; and discussion of potential agency program changes.

"Judge DeIorio is well versed in the critical energy issues facing the Empire State. His appointment by Governor George Pataki to lead this diverse task force is a testament to his vast experience and service on behalf of the citizens of New York.  The Power Authority will draw on its energy-efficiency experience as well as its role as a clean energy implementer to support this forward-looking panel," said Frank S. McCullough, Chairman, New York Power Authority.

Division of Housing and Community Renewal Commissioner Judith A. Calogero said, "We have a long and successful history of working with NYSERDA to successfully blend energy and housing policy, and we look forward to working with them on this important initiative.   Enhanced collaboration between state agencies can ensure that New York stays on the cutting edge of innovation in energy efficient affordable housing.

Projects such as the 1212 MLK Apartments in the Bronx - the first Energy Star rated multi-family building in the nation - show where this kind of coordination can lead. I'd like to congratulate Judge DeIorio on his appointment and Governor Pataki for convening this most critical task force."

Smith said, "NYSERDA will provide the Task Force staff and lead reporting duties.  We are honored to be a part of this important intra-governmental initiative."

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