FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 27, 2023
Contact: Audrey Schwartzberg, ANCA Communications Officer, aschwartzberg@adirondack.org, 518.891.6200
Clean Energy Conference Focuses on Community Benefits of State and Federal Policies
ANCA and Mohawk Valley Clean Energy Team welcome energy and community leaders to June 1-2 event
UTICA, N.Y. — The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) has announced the return of the regional economic nonprofit’s Clean Energy Conference. Presented in partnership with the Mohawk Valley Clean Energy Team, this year’s conference will explore community incentives, opportunities and challenges related to recent state and federal policies.
With a focus on how small and rural communities can help advance a statewide transition to clean energy while preserving their values and character, the conference will convene clean energy experts, advocates and contractors, as well as local community leaders, at the Irish Cultural Center of the Mohawk Valley in Utica, N.Y. on June 1 and 2, 2023.
“In alignment with ANCA’s aim to elevate the voices of North Country communities, this year’s Clean Energy Conference will focus on the unique concerns and needs of our hamlets, villages, towns and counties — and how they can maximize emerging opportunities as new legislation rolls out across the state,” said ANCA Energy Circuit Rider and conference organizer Jennifer Perry.
Through a variety of presentations, workshops and roundtable sessions, guest speakers will share success stories and address ways rural communities can benefit from recent policies like New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), as well as challenges that may arise as these policies are implemented across the region.
“We are honored to partner with the Mohawk Valley Clean Energy Team for this year’s conference,” Perry added. “Our extensive networks of energy partners and regional leaders will provide valuable insight for community members interested in learning more about these new policies and how we can work together to build a clean energy future that works for all.”
The Mohawk Valley Clean Energy Team is made up of staff from Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD) and the Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) who work with communities in New York’s Mohawk Valley to help them become more energy efficient and sustainable.
“We’re excited about working with ANCA on the Clean Energy Conference,” said Amanda Kaier, Clean Energy Communities Coordinator for MVEDD. “It is a great opportunity to collaborate so we can better serve our communities, our region and the industry, while re-energizing the creative and innovative ideas that help move clean energy projects forward.”
“We are excited to be bringing so many regional organizations together to have a chance to go deeper into clean energy topics that affect us all every day. These issues are going to be a huge part of our clean energy future,” said Amy Wyant, OCCA Executive Director.
Conference topics include stakeholder and partner engagement, equity and justice in project design and community outreach, community benefit from large-scale renewables, community-scale incentives and success stories, updates from government and nonprofit groups, building and transportation electrification, electric grid upgrades, carbon sequestration, localizing electricity supplies, and more.
The event will begin with an afternoon tour of Brookfield Renewable’s 28-megawatt Trenton Falls hydroelectric plant in Trenton, N.Y. Built in 1901, the facility now generates about 133 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually, which is enough to power approximately 20,000 homes.
The conference will also provide networking opportunities with contractors, service providers, nonprofits, government agencies and others working to expand clean energy initiatives across New York State. A Thursday evening reception at the recently constructed Irish Cultural Center will feature Utica cuisine and drink. A raffle of local products and experiences will take place on Friday afternoon.
Early Bird registration costs $125; the rate will increase to $150 on May 9. Municipal staff may attend at a reduced rate; contact events@adirondack.org for a discount code. Participants who find the cost of registration or travel to be a barrier are invited to inquire about financial support.
To learn more and register, visit www.adirondack.org/clean-energy-conference. Questions about the conference may be directed to Jennifer Perry at jperry@adirondack.org or 518.891.6200.
ANCA is an independent, nonprofit corporation with a transformational approach to building prosperity across northern New York. Using innovative strategies for food systems, clean energy, small businesses, and equity and inclusion, ANCA delivers targeted interventions that create and sustain wealth and value in local communities.
The Mohawk Valley Clean Energy Team includes the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District, Inc. (MVEDD) and Otsego County Conservation Association (OCCA) — organizations dedicated to helping communities in the Mohawk Valley become more energy efficient and sustainable. The team offers education, technical assistance, and many other opportunities for communities through the NYSERDA Clean Energy Communities Program, DEC Climate Smart Communities Program, and other clean energy initiatives.
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