Carmel, NY - With electricity prices continuing to rise in New York State, U.S. Representative John Hall (D-NY19) is continuing his series of energy independence events by hosting a public information forum spotlighting solar power on Wednesday, August 22nd in Bedford.

 

"With the growing effects of global warming, it is now more important than ever for us to develop alternative energy sources like solar power," said Hall. "If America is ever going to achieve energy independence, we must invest in new energy sources, including those we can harness right here in the Hudson Valley. By capturing solar power in the U.S. we can move toward energy independence, reduce carbon emissions, and create new jobs in our communities."

 

Three speakers at Wednesday's forum will discuss the potential of solar energy production in the Hudson Valley and the solar options available to Hudson Valley residents and businesses.

 

Electricity prices in New York have increased over 25 percent since 2000. Between March 2006 and 2007, the cost of electricity in New York State grew 12 percent, more than twice the national average cost increase. New York's electricity costs are the fourth highest in the U.S., and are 66 percent above the national average.

 

"The approach to achieving energy independence and fighting electricity costs has to be two-fold," said Hall. "To combat high electricity prices now, I've helped pass measures in the House to extend the 30% investment tax credit for solar energy through the end of 2016," said Hall. "To invest in America's energy future, the House also voted to roll back $14 billion in taxpayer subsidies for big oil companies and reinvest them instead here at home in clean, renewable energy like solar power and in alternative fuels."

 

Hall is the only New Yorker to serve as a member of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming in the House of Representatives. He has been holding a series of energy independence forums throughout the Hudson Valley, highlighting different forms of alternative energy. Hall's first energy independence forum, "Harvesting Wind Power for the Hudson Valley," was held April 9th in Beacon. A second energy independence forum featuring biofuels was held June 9th in Warwick. He plans to host future events on hydro and geothermal energy sources.

 

"I believe Americans possess the creativity, innovation, and dedication necessary to achieve energy independence," Hall said. "It's my hope that these forums will help the Hudson Valley become a leader in the production and use of solar power and other new fuels. We need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and bring down the high cost of electricity, because it is hitting families where it hurts - in their pocketbooks."

 

Solar energy holds some of the greatest potential economic and environmental benefits. A shift to solar power could help reduce America's reliance on polluting coal, lessen the need for natural gas pipelines, and cut down on the need for massive power lines like NYRI by more widely distributing power generation. Over the last decade, the global solar generation market has averaged 25% annual growth. Hall has cosponsored legislation to expand the solar tax credit to advanced energy storage systems and provide a special credit amount for solar photovoltaic energy property and residential energy efficient property based upon kilowatt capacity.

 

Wednesday's public event will open with a report from Hall on Congressional efforts to promote energy independence and invest in renewable energy, especially solar power. Solar experts will then give presentations on solar power in the Hudson Valley, followed by a question and answer session with the audience. The forum moderator will be Bedford Supervisor Lee Roberts.

 

The guest speakers will include:

 

· Patrice Courtney Strong, Coordinator, Mid-Hudson Energy Smart Communities/ New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

 

· Elie Schechter, ISI Solar

 

· Christopher Eachus, Advisor, Newburgh Free Academy's Solar Car Racing Team