Campus Update

(July 11, 2007)

Carpenter Named to State Energy Task Force

David Carpenter, M.D., director of the Institute for Health and Environment at UAlbany's School of Public Health, and professor of Environmental Health Sciences, has been named to New York's Renewable Energy Task Force.

The announcement was made June 24 by New York Lieutenant Gov. David A. Paterson. Under Paterson's leadership, the task force's goal will be to identify and recommend ways of expanding the state's use of renewable energy and alternative fuels.

"Not only is our nation facing an impending energy crisis, we are facing the most challenging environmental crisis of our time as we struggle to deal with climate change and curb our greenhouse gas emissions," Paterson said. "Renewable energy development will not only lead us toward energy independence, but it will protect our planet and provide healthier environments for our children and families to live. The members of the Renewable Energy Task Force bring a broad range of knowledge and experience to the effort to dramatically expand our use of renewable energy and alternative fuels."

The task force includes representatives of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Long Island Power Authority, the New York Power Authority, as well as representatives from the renewable energy and alternative fuel industries, environmental and agricultural organizations, academic, local government, energy policy, environmental justice and green building and industry development sectors.

The task force's first report to the chair will be completed by Dec. 1. The group will help implement the administration's plans to reduce electricity use by 15 percent from forecasted levels by the year 2015 through new energy efficiency programs in industry and government. The plan focuses on energy efficiency, conservation, and investment in renewable energy sources as the keys to achieving economic and environmental goals.