BCW launches Clean Energy Action Coalition

If there is one subject virtually all business leaders agree on, it is that New York State’s energy landscape is changing. The challenge is that the paths forward are numerous, confusing and often are at odds with the practical realities of implementation costs and technological challenges.

The Business Council of Westchester has spent the last decade dealing with the rapidly evolving energy picture, and in an effort to bring clarity and a solidified approach from the business community has launched a major new initiative.

The BCW’s Westchester Clean Energy Action Coalition was formed after a summit meeting of representatives of 40 businesses and organizations representing a gamut of energy-related interests.

BCW Executive Vice President and COO John Ravitz opened the meeting with a packed room at the BCW by noting that “the sheer number and diverse nature of those attending speaks volumes about interest and importance of developing a unified voice on the critically important subject of our state’s energy future. These are the businesses and organizations who are the innovators in the clean energy field and who will be key players in remaking Westchester’s energy landscape. The BCW is pleased and proud to continue our leadership role in the complex task of developing and implementing that future.”

BCW members Dan Singer, President and CEO of Robison, who with Ron Kamen of EarthKind Energy and Michael Murphy of Murphy Brothers Contracting took the lead in initiating the session, emphasized that “we’re looking to the future. We can’t be deniers; we have to be realistic. There are many great energy-related ideas, but we need a coalition to bring them together. This is a starting point.”

Kamen noted that the range of businesses and organizations “at the table is impressive and we can expect to see the number grow as the word of the coalition gets out. This initial gathering made it clear that there’s no shortage of ideas, and we know that there is strength in numbers.”

Ravitz said that the BCW will work over the summer with coalition members to organize ideas and approaches and will be ready to formally launch the coalition’s efforts in September.

The BCW has other industry-specific coalitions focused on important economic areas including the Westchester County Airport and residential housing.