UAlbany Explores Global Warming Policies

Rep. Paul Tonko joins students, faculty to discuss presidential climate actions, solutions at National Teach-In Feb. 4

 

ALBANY, N.Y. (February 3, 2009) -- University at Albany students and faculty will join Congressman Paul Tonko, who represents the 21st Congressional District, for a conversation on global warming policies and solutions via Webcam at 2 p.m. on Feb. 4. The discussion is part of UAlbany's participation in the National Teach-In on Global Warming Solutions, designed to engage over a million Americans in solutions-driven dialogue.

Coinciding with the first 100 days of the new administration in Washington, D.C., the Teach-In  -- the project of a non-profit organization, Education for Global Warming Solutions (EdSolv), in Portland, Ore. -- is a day an entire university, school, group, or faith organization puts aside business as usual to come together to focus on a single topic.

"We need ideas that will make an immediate impact, such as choosing efficiency as our fuel of choice, to making the investments in research and development that will lay the groundwork for an innovation economy," said Tonko, of Amsterdam. "I appreciate UAlbany giving me the opportunity to take part in the National Teach-In on Global Warming Solutions and I look forward to discussing solutions for our energy and environmental challenges."

"The consequences of global warming will impact generations to come," said Interim President George M. Philip. "We are pleased Congressman Tonko is lending his knowledge and expertise to our discussions."

UAlbany will also host a half-hour Webcast starting at 6:30 p.m. on the U.S. Presidential Climate Action Project and recommended solutions for the first 100 days of President Barack Obama's administration, followed by a panel discussion of faculty and students from 7 to 9 p.m. in Lecture Center 1.

Goals of the National Teach-In include:
� Cut carbon 40 percent below today's levels by 2020.
� Create millions of "green" jobs: weatherize, solarize, and rewire the nation.
� Revitalize America's economy so that we lead the world in renewable technology.
� Promote carbon neutral power.    

UAlbany is committed to fostering and adopting an environment of sustainability. The University's ongoing "Go Green" efforts include recycling competitions, trayless dining halls, and energy reduction campaigns.

Tonko has gained a national reputation as an expert on energy and utility issues. From 1992 to June 2007, Tonko served as chairman of the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Energy. Tonko previously served as president and CEO of New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Tonko is an advocate for a �green economy� and �green-collar jobs,� whose development he sees as critical to our nation�s economic wellbeing. 

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