Clean Energy Coalition Begins Inaugural Year with a Transformative Initiative

The BCW is beginning the inaugural year of the Clean Energy Action Coalition (CEAC) with a transformative initiative designed to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies across Westchester County.

CEAC’s mission is to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy affordability and reliability, and drive the transition to clean energy solutions in three critical segments: electricity, thermal energy, and transportation.

“CEAC represents a bold step forward in moving all of Westchester County’s communities down the road to greener and cleaner energy technologies,” said John Ravitz, BCW Executive Vice President and COO. “By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and advocating for climate-positive legislation, we’re ensuring that Westchester remains a leader in sustainability and innovation.”

The BCW announced the formation of CEAC at its Annual Dinner in November. Since then, the group has compiled an ambitious agenda, with 9 workgroups providing the framework for legislation that facilitates the deployment of clean energy infrastructure by county and municipal leaders.

CEAC includes over 85 Westchester leaders representing solar and battery energy storage, geothermal, heat pumps, renewable fuels, electric vehicles, demand response, transmission, energy efficiency, and workforce development, as well as real estate developers, local government, professional planners, engineers, landscape architects, land use attorneys, environmental risk managers, nonprofits, construction professionals, contractors, and other businesses.

CEAC has outlined the following ambitious goals for 2025, focusing on coordinated outreach, education, and advocacy to support:

• Solar and Battery Storage: Promoting incentives and streamlining approvals for renewable energy adoption.
• Biofuels: Encouraging the use of low-emission alternative fuels.
• Construction: Advocating for cost-effective green practices in new, renovated, and existing buildings.
• Transmission: Supporting the efficient movement of solar, wind, and hydropower from upstate New York to local communities.

As part of this initiative, the BCW has named Ron Kamen, founder of EarthKind Energy, as CEAC’s director. With decades of expertise in catalyzing sustainable energy adoption, Kamen brings a proven track record of creating successful public-private partnerships in clean energy and sustainability.

“I’m thrilled to join the Business Council of Westchester in this pivotal role,” said Kamen. “Westchester County and New York are at the forefront of climate leadership, and the private sector has a critical role to play in achieving these goals. Together, we’ll make clean energy adoption more accessible and impactful than ever.”