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Governor Spitzer Speaks at NYS ‘Green Schools Summit’
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), in cooperation with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), hosted a “Green Schools Summit” at Farmingdale State University of New York.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Governor Eliot Spitzer and Congressman Steve Israel. The Summit included topics relevant to creating environmentally

responsible “Green Schools,” such as green school design under the NY State Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NYSCHPS) model, energy and environmental classroom information for students and teachers, alternative-fueled school buses, and their availability and impact on NYS schools. The agenda also included green cleaning materials, the impact of pesticide applications and the governor’s “15 by 15” plan to reduce energy demands 15% by the year 2015.

“By promoting green schools, we instill in the next generation that environmental sustainability and stewardship are important values,” said Governor Spitzer.

Among the attendees at the one-day event were school superintendents, principals, buildings and grounds professionals, school board members, and fleet managers. Farmingdale State College president Dr. W. Hubert Keen introduced the panel: Governor Eliot Spitzer, Paul D. Tonko, President & CEO NYSERDA, NY First Lady Silda Wall Spitzer, Congressman Steve Israel, Kevin Law, chairman, LIPA, and Commissioner Pete Grannis, DEC.

According to Congressman Steve Israel, “schools were built when energy prices were low. This ageing infrastructure is blowing tax dollars out the windows. We can save tax dollars, create new energy markets, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. I’ve introduced legislation to provide federal matching funds to school districts that implement the state energy efficiency guidelines announced last month right here on Long Island.”

For more information on NYSERDA, visit www.nyserda.org

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